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Domeftic Medicine: 


T R E A T I S 

ON THE 

PREVENTION AND CURE 

O F 

DISEASES 


B Y 


REGIMEN AND SIMPLE MEDICINES. 


TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 

Obfervations on the Diet of the Common People; 

RECOMMENDING ' 


A METHOD OF LIVING LESS EXPENSIVE, AND MORE CONDUCIVE 
TO HEALTH, THAN THE PRESENT. 

^ i 


C') 


By W I L L I A M B U C* H A N, M. D. 

■ •*» 

Fellow of the Royal College of rhy|iCia»s^ 'Edinburgh. 




THE SEVENTEENTH E 


E PRACTITIONERS, 


1801 . 









3*1 

l«Ol 


OifiTtes homilies dritm medicam Wibss'e oportet.——Sapierdict cQgnitichkfc 
medicinal sorarem ac contubernalem esse puto. 

Hippocrates. 


Primoque inedendi scientific sapiential par hahehatur—Bationalem 
quidem puto medicinam esse debere. Celsus. 


Quemadmodum sanitas omnium rerum pretiuin excedit, omnisque felici* 
tas fundament urn est, ita scientia vitae ac sanitatis tuendct omnium nobb 
Hssima, omnibusque hem i nib us commendatissima esse debet. 

HoFFMAff. 






via PREFACE 

the patient, by pursuing a Wrong plan of regimen, not only defeats 
the Doctor's endeavours, but renders them dangerous. I have oin 4 
known patients killed by an error in regimen* when they were usin<r 
very proper medicines. It will be said,- the physician always orders 
the regimen when he prescribes a medicine. I wish it were so, both 
for the honour of the Faculty and the safety of their patients: but 
physicians, as well as other people, are too little attentive to this 
matter. 

Though many reckon it doubtful whether physic is more benefi¬ 
cial or hurtful to mankind* yet all allow the necessity and impor¬ 
tance of a proper regimen in diseases. Indeed the very appetites of 
the sick prove its propriety. No man in his senses ever imagined 
that a person in a feVfer, for example, could eat, drink, or conduct 
himself in the same manner as one in perfect health. This part of 
-medicine* therefore, is evidently founded in Nature, and is every 
way consistent with reason and common sense. Had mfen been 
more attentive to it* and less solicitous in hunting after secret reme¬ 
dies, Medicine had never become an object of ridicule. 

This seems to have been the first idea of Medicine. The ancient 
physicians acted chiefly in the capacity of nurses. They went very 
little beyond aliment in their prescriptions; and even this they gene¬ 
rally administered themselves, attending the sick for that purpose 
through the whole course of the disease ; which gave them an op¬ 
portunity ndt only of marking the changes of diseases with great ac¬ 
curacy, but likewise of observing the effects of their different appli¬ 
cations, and adapting them to the symptoms. 

The learned Dr. Arbuthnot asserts* that by a proper attention <0 
those things which are almost within the reach of every body, more 
good and less mischief will be done in acute diseases* than by medi¬ 
cines improperly and unseasohably administered; and that greafi 
cures may be effected in chronical distempers, by a proper regimen 
of the diet only. So intirely do the' Doctor's setirnents and mine 
agree, that I would advise every person, ignorant of physic, to con-' 
fine his practice solely to diet, and the other parts of regimen; by 
which means he may often do much good* and can sekiom do any 
hurt. « 

This seems also to have been the opinion of the ingenious Dr* 
Huxham* who observes, that we often seek froth Art what all-boun¬ 
tiful Nature most readily* and as effectually* offers us, had we dili¬ 
gence and sagacity enough to observe and make use of them; that 
the dietetic part of Medicine is not so much studied as it ought to be; 
and that, though less pompous, yet it is the most natural method of 
curing diseases. 

To render this book more generally useful, however* as Well as 
more acceptable to the intelligent part of mankind, I have in most 
diseases, besides regimen, recommended some cf the most simple 
and approved forms of medicine, ahd added such cautions and direc¬ 
tions as seemed necessary for their safe administration. It would no 
doubt have been more acceptable to many, had it abounded wi h 
pompous p.e-CiiptiOn?, and promised great cures in consequence of 

an: 1 think the administration of 

medicines 


their use; but this was not my pi 


FACE. 

medicines always doubtful, and often dangerous, and would much 
rather teach men how to avoid the necessity of using them, than how 
they should be used. 

Several medicines, and those of considerable efficacy, may be ad¬ 
ministered with great freedom and safety. Physicians generally 
trifle a long time with medicines before they learn their proper use. 
Many peasants at present know better how to use some of the most 
important articles in the materia medica , than physicians did a centu¬ 
ry ago; and doubtless the same observation will hold with regard 
to others some time hence. Wherever 1 was convinced that medi¬ 
cine might be-used with safety, or where the cure depended chiefly 
upon it, I have taken care to recommend it; but where it was either 
highly dangerous, or not very necessary, it is omitted. 

I have not troubled the reader with an useless parade of quota¬ 
tions from different authors, .but have in general adopted their obser¬ 
vations where my own were either defective, or totally wanting, 
"{'hose to whom I am most obliged are, Ramazini, Arbuthnoi, and Ti:> 
sot; the last of which, in his Avis duJAeup/e , conies the nearest to my 
views,- of any author which I have seen. Had the Doctor’s plan 
been as complete as the execution is masterly, we should have had 
no occasion for any new treatise, of this kind soon; but by confining 
himself to the acute diseases, he has in my opinion omitted the most 
useful.part of his subject. People in acute diseases may sometimes 
be their own physicians; ^rtSn chronic cases, the cure must ever de¬ 
pend chiefly upon the "patient’s own endeavours. The Doctor has 
also passed over the Prophylaxis , or preventive part of Medicine, 
very slightly, though it is certainly of the greatest importance in such 
a work. He had no doubt his reasons for so doing, and I am so far 
from findingvfauUjwith him, tiiat I think.his performance does great 
honpur both to his head and to his heart. 

Several other foreign physicians of eminence have written on 
nearly the same plan with Tissot, as the Baron Van Swieten, physi¬ 
cian to their Imperial Majesties, M. Rosen, first physician of the 
kingdom of Sweden, &c.; but these gentlemen’s productions have 
never come to my hand. I cannot help wishing, however, that some 
of our distinguished countrymen would follow their example. There 
still remains much to be done on this subject, and it does not appear 
to me how any mail could better employ his time or talents, than in 
eradicating hurtful prejudices, and diffusing useful knowledge among 
the people. • '*■' ’ 

I knbvv some of the Faculty disapprove of every attempt of this 
nature, imagining that it must totally destrov their influence. Bin 
tin’s notion appears to me to be as absurd as it is illiberal. People in 
distress will always apply fo 
they have it in their powe 
confidence and readiness v 
tional science, than when 
conjecture. 

i Hough I have endeavoured to render this Treatise plain and uses 
ful, vet I found it impossible to avoid some terms of art; but those 
are in general either explained, ©r are sueh as most people under¬ 
stand. 


r relief to men of'superior abilities, when 
and they will do this with far greater 
dien they believe that Medicine is a ra- 
hey take it to be only a matter of mere 



T O 




Sir JOSEPH BANKS, Bart, 

PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY. 
SIR t / ' 



X. HE Domestic Medicine having been honoured, on 
its firft appearance, with the patronage of your learned 
and worthy predeceffbi, the late Sir John Pringle, I beg 
leave, in a more improved ftate, to dedicate it to you, as a 
fmall but fincere teftimpny of that veneration and efteenv, 
with which I have long beheld the Man, who, barn to eafe. 
and affluence, had refolqtion to encounter the dangers of un¬ 
known feas and diflant climes, in purluit of ufeful Science ; 
and whofe confhnt object has been to render that Science 
fubfervient to the happinefs and civilization of Society* 

J have the honour to be, w : ith great refped. 


SIR, 


Your moft obedient Servant* 

W. BUG H A N. 


London, 
Nov. io, 1783. 








ADVERTISEMENT. 

T MiE Author, having been in corifhnt practice fince the 
firfl: appearance of this Book, has taken occation in the 
later Editions through which it has paired, to improve many 
articles which were inferred with lefs accuracy in the more 
eu*ly imprdfions. To the preceding Edition was added a 
Chapter on the Diet of the Common People, recommending 
a method of living lefs cxpemive, and more conducive to 
health, than the prefenr. Several other improvements 
have been alfo made in the form of notes to illuftrate the 
text, or put people on their guard in dangerous (ituations, 
and prevent fatal miltakes in the practice of medicine,which, 
it is to be regretted, are but too common. 


Although the Domestic Medicine was never intended to 
fuperfede the ufe of a Phvfician, but to fupply his place in 
fituarions where medical afTiftance coukl not eafilv be obtain- 

. «r 

ed ; the Author is forty to obferve, that the jealoufies and 
fears of feme of the Faculty have prompted them to treat 
the Work in a manner very unbecoming the Profeflbrs of a 
liberal feience : notwithftanding this injurious treatment, 
convinced of the utility of his plan, he (hall !pare no pains 
to make it more ufeful ; determined that neither inrereft nor 
prejudice (hall ever defer liirn from exerting his heft endea¬ 
vours to render the Medical. Art more extenjively beneficial 
to Mankind. 


New Store Street, 
Bedford square, 
June 4, 1798. 





' • PREFACE. 

W HEN I first signified my intention of publishing the follow¬ 
ing sheets, I was told by my friends it would draw on me the 
resentment of the whole Faculty. As I never could entertain such 
an unfavourable idea, I was resolved to make the experiment, 
which indeed came out pretty much as might have been expected. 
Many whose learning and liberality of sentiments do honour to 
medicine, received the book in a manner which at once shewed their 
indulgence, and the falsity of the opinion that every physician wishes 
to conctGl his art; while the more selfish and narrow-minded, gene¬ 
rally the most numerous in every profession, have not failed to per¬ 
secute both the book and its author. 

The reception, however, which this work has met with from the 
Public merits my most grateful acknowledgments. As the best way 
of expressing these, I have endeavoured to render it more generally 
useful, by enlarging the prophylaxis, or that part which treats of pre¬ 
venting diseases; and by adding many articles which had been 
entirely omitted in the former impressions. It is needless to enu¬ 
merate these additions ; I shall only say, that I hope they will be 
found real improvements. 

The observations relative to Nursing and the Management of 
Children, were chiefly suggested by an extensive practice among 
infants, in a large branch of the Foundling Hospital, where I had an 
opportunity not only of treating the diseases incident to childhood, 
but likewise of trying different plans of nursing, and observing 
their effects. Whenever I had it in my power to place the chil¬ 
dren under the care of proper nurses, to instruct these nurse-s in their 
duty, and to be satisfied that they performed it, very few of them 
died; but when, from distance of place, and other unavoidable cir¬ 
cumstances, the children were left to the sole care of mercenary 
nurses, without any person to instruct and superintend them, scarce 
any of them lived 

This was so apparent, as with me to amount to a proof of the 
following melancholy fact: That almost one half of the human species 
perish in injunct/, by improper management or neglect. This reflection 
has made me often wish to be the happy instrument of alleviating 
the miseries of those suffering innocents, or of rescuing them from 
an untimelv grave. No one, who has not had an opportunity of ob¬ 
serving them, can imagine what absurd and ridiculous practices 
still prevail in the nursing and management of infants, and what 
numbers of ih es are by that means lost to society. As these prac¬ 
tices are chiefly owing to ignorance, it is to be hoped, that when 
nurses are better informed, their conduct will be more proper. 

The 






yi 


P R E F A C 


The application of medicine to the various occupations of life- 
has been in general the result of observation. An extensive prac-» 
tice for several years, in one of the largest manufacturing towns in 
England, afforded me sufficient opportunities of observing the inju¬ 
ries which those useful people sus J ain from their particular employ¬ 
ments, and likewise of trying various methods of obviating such 
injuries. The success which attended these trials was sufficient to 
encourage this attempt, which I hope will be of use to those who 
are under the necessity of earning their bread by such employments 
as are unfavourable to health. 

I do not mean to intimidate men, far less to insinuate that even 
those arts, the practice of which is attended with some degree of 
danger, should not be carried on; but to guard the less cautious and 
unwary against those dangers which they have it in their power to • 
avoid, and which they often, through mere ignorance, incur. As 
every occupation in life disposes those who follow it to some parti¬ 
cular diseases more than to others, it is certainly of importance to 
know these, in order that peoole may be upon their guard against 
them. It is always better to be warned of the approach of an ene¬ 
my, than to be surprised by him, especially where there is a possi-<. 
bility of avoiding the danger. 

The observations concerning Diet, Air, Exercise, &c. are of a more- 
general nature, and have not escaped the attention of physicians in 
any age. They are subjects of too great importance, however, to be, 
passed over in an attempt of this kind, and can never be sufficiently 
recommended. The man who pays a proper attention to these, will 
seldom need the physician; and he who does not, will seldom enjoy 
health, let him employ as many physicians as he pleases. 

Though we have endeavoured to point out the causes of diseases, 
and to put people upon their guard against them, yet it must be 
acknowledged that they ate often of such a nature as to admit of 
being removed only bv the diligence and activity of the public ma¬ 
gistrate. We are sorry, indeed, to observe, that the power of the 
magistrate is seldom exerted in this country for the preservation of 
health. The importance of a proper medical police is either not 
understood, or tittle regarded. Many things highly injurious to the 
public health are. daily practised with impunity, while others abso¬ 
lutely necessary for its preservation, are entirely neglected. 

Some of the public means of preserving health are mentioned in 
the general nrophvlaxis, as the inspection of provisions, widening 
the streets of great towns, keeping them clean, supplying the inha¬ 
bitants with wholesome water, &c. y but they are passed over in a 
very cursory manner. A proper attention to these would have 
swelled this volume to too large a size; I have therefore reserved 
them for the subject of a future publication. 

In the treatment of diseases, I have been peculiarly attentive to 
regimen. The generality of people lay too much stress upon Me¬ 
dicine, and trust too little to their own endeavours. It is always in 
the power of the patient, or of those about him, to do as much to¬ 


wards his re 


tending to 


jeovery can be effected by the physician. By not at-' 
this, the designs of Medicine areoften frustrated; and 


the. 


CON T ENT 


PART r. 

'Of the general Causes of Dis¬ 
eases. 
ftKAP. I- 

O T Children Page l 

Diseased Parents * 

—Clothing of Children 
—Food of ditto^ , r 

.—Exercise of ditto 

—Bad Effects of unwholesome 

Air upon ditto .] 3 

^Nurses ....... 

ci-ikP. n. 

Of the laborious, &c. 22 

—the Sedentary 2o 

'—the Studious . 

CHAP. HI. 

Of Aliment 37 

CHAP. IV., 

Of Air 44 

CHAP. V. ■ 

Of Exercise 43 

CHAP. VI. 

'Of Sleep 51 

—Clothing 

CHAP. VII. rr 

Of Intemperance 

C K A ?* VIII* 
of Cleanliness N 

CHAP. IX, 

Of Infection 62 

CHAP. X, 

' Of the Passions 66 

-Anger & 

-—F ear . 

—Grief * “ 

—^uci 7Q 

—Love , , , r, j 

—Religious Melancholy ' - 

CHAP. XI. . 

of the Common Evacuations ib. 

—Stool * 1 9 

—Urine _ - - 

_ _Perspiration 

_being aflected by Lounges m 

the Atmosphere * * 


Of Wet Clothes 
_Wet feet 


'Parc 7 5 
ib . 
ib. 

■Damp Beds . - 7 | 

-f)amp Houses ' ' 

-Sudden Transitions from Heat 

to Cold %b • 


Might Air 


O O' 


part n. 

Of Diseases. 

. CHAT. XII. 

Of the Knowledge and Cate ot 

Diseases 

CHAP. XIII. 

Fevers in general 

CHAP. XIV. 

Of intermitting Fevers or Agues 

c HA P. XV. • 

Of an acute continual fever 93 

CHAP. XVI. 

Of the Pleurisy 9 f 

;_—Bastard ditto ^ 1U J; 

:_— parapbrenitis 

CHAP, XVII. 

Inflammation ot the Lungs ? * 
CHAP. XVIII* 

'Of Consumptions AUifir 

CHAP. XIX. 

Of the Slow or Nervous be- 

lie* 

ver 

Malignant, Putrid or Spotted Fe 
ver 

CHAP. XXI.' 

Miliary Fever 

CIIAP. XXII. 

Remitting Fever 

CHAP. XXIII. 

The Small-Pox 
Inoculation 

CHAP. XXIV. 

The Measles 

_Scarlet Fever 

_-Bdious Fever 


114 
120 
123 
125 


i v/ *<* 


14C 

]L 

14: 


A 



O N T 


ENTS. 


C H A T\ XXV. 

Jiony'r. Fire Page 14*5 

CHAP. XXVI. 

.jflammatioa of the Brain* 148 

' CHAP. XXVII. 

Inflammation of the Eyes 151 

CHAP. XXVIII. 

The Quinsey - 154 

--^-Malignant ditto 159 

CHAP. XXIX, 

Colds and Coughs - 161 

A Common Cough 163 

Hooping-Cough - 166 

CHAP. XXX, 

Inflammation of the Stomach 169 

-of the Intestines 170 

Of the Cohc - 173 

Inflammation or the Kidmes 176 

- 0 f Bladder 178 

-of the Liver 179 

CIIAP. XXXI. 


Of the Cholera Morbus ancFother 
excessive discharges from the 


Stomach and Bowels 181 
—a Diarrhoea, or Looseness 182 
—Vomiting 184 

CHAP. XXXI!, 

Disorders of the Kidnies and 
Bladder 186 

Or the Diabetes, or excessive 
Discharge of Urine ib . 

-—Suppression of ditto 188 

—the Gravel and Stone 189 

CHAP. XXXIII. 

Involuntary Discharges of Blood 

J 92 

Bleeding at the Nose 194 

Bleeding and Blind Piles 13.5 
Spitting of Llo'od 197 

Vomiting of ditto 199 

Bloody Urine 200 

-—Flux 201 

•CpeliuC Passion 20 5 

CHAP. XXXIV. 

Of the Head-ach 205 

- p 00 t h-ac h 208 

-- Ear-aeh 210 

Pain ot the Sromach, &c, 211 

chap. xxxv. 

Of Wgrms 213 


CHAP. XXXVI. 

Of the Jaundice Page Tn 

CHAT. XXXVII. 


Of the Dropsy 

2 IX 

CHAP. XXXVIII. 


Of the Gout 

222 

--— Rheumatism 

,226 

CHAP. XXXIX. 


Of the Scurvy 

229 

- Scrophula 

232 

—- - Itch 

235 

C rl A P. XL.. 


Of the Asthma 

237 

CHAP, XLr. 


Of the Apoplexy 

239 

C II A P. XL 11 . 


Of Costiveness 

241 

—Want of Appetite 

243 

—Heartburn 

ib. 

CHAP. XLIH. 


Of Nervous Diseases 

245 

—Melancholy 

24S 

; —the Palsy 

250 

-— the Epilepsy, or Falling 

Sick- 

ness 

252' 

— the Hiccup 

254 

— Cramp of the Stomach 

255 

J — tiie Night Mare 

25 6 

— Swoonings 

ib . 

— Flatulencies or Wind 

258 

—Low Spirits 

260 

— Hy steric A flections 

ib. 

— Hypochondriac affection: 

> 2q3 

C H A P. X LI V. 


Disorders of the Senses 

265 

- of the E^e 

266 

A Gutta Serena 

267 

A Cataract 

ib „ 

Short-Sightedness 

ib. 

Seeing only at too gread a 

Dis- 

tance - 

ib. 

Squinting 

ib. 

Spots or Specks 

ib. 

Bloodshot Ey r e 

268 

Watery or Weeping E'e 

ib. 

Uf the Ear 

ib. 

-Taste and Smeil 

270 

--Touch 

271 

CHAP. XLV. 


Of a Sctrrhus and Cau.ec 

272 















C O N T 


V 


CHAP. X L V I. 

't)f Poisons Page 215 

—Mineral Poisons 276 

—Vegetable ditto 277 

Bites of poisonous Animals 273 

-of the Mad Dog ib. 

-of the Viper - 233 

-of Poisonous Insects ib. 

— -of the Rattle-snake 284 

CHAP. XLVir. 

‘ Of the Venereal Disease -285 

•--Virulent Gonorrhea 236 

—-Gleets 291 

— Swelled Testicle 293 

—Buboes - ib. 

—Chancres » 294 

' i - l -A Confirmed "Lues or Pox 297 
General Observations 299 

C H A P. XLVIIi. 

Diseases of Women 303 

Of the Menstrual Discharge 304 
■—Pregnancy - 308 

—Child-Birth *» 310 

—Barrenness - 315 

chap, xL i'x. 

D iseases of Children 316 

Of the Meconium - 318 

—The Apthae or Thrush ib. 

**■—Acidities - 319 

—Galling and Excoriation 320 

—Stoppage of the Nose ib. 
"■—Vomiting 321 

—a Looseness - ib . 

—Eruptions - 322 

—The Croup - 324 

—Teething - 325 

—the Rickets - 327 

—Convulsions - 329 

—Water in the Head 330 

c II a p. l . 

Of Surgery - 331 

—Bleeding - ib. 

-—Inflammations and Abscesses 

333 

—Wounds 3 35 

—Burns - 337 

—Bruises -» 338 

—Ulcers - 339 

chap. li. 

’Of Dislocations 341 


Dislocation of the Ju 
-of the Neck 

— -of the Ribs 

-*—- of the Shoulder 

-of the Elbow 34*. 

— -of the Wrist and Fin¬ 

gers - ib. 

— j -of the Thigh ib. 

*-— of the Knees 345 

■ - - of the Ancles ib. 

— -of the Toes ib. 

CHAP. Llf. 

Of broken Bone?, &c. ib. 

—Strains - 347 

Ruptures - 343 

CHAP liii. 

Of Casualties 349 

—Substances stopt between the 
Mouth and Stomach 350 
-—Drowned Persons 354 

~—Noxious Vapours 357 

Effects of extreme Cold 355 
---Heat 359 

CHAP. LIV. 

Of Fainting Fils, and other Ca¬ 
ses which require immediate 
Assistance 360 

—Intoxication 362 

—Suffocation and Strangling 364 
—Persons who expire in Convul¬ 
sion Fits 355 

chap, lv, 

Cautions concerning Cold Bath¬ 
ing, and drinking the Mineral 
Waters 368 

CHAP. L V 1. 

Observations concerning the Di¬ 
et of the Common People ; re* 
commending a method of li¬ 
ving less expensive, and men 


conducive to health than tin 
present 37< 

General observations on Ali 
ment 37 

Of Bread 37 

Of Boiled Grain 33 

Of Butter 38 

Of Fruits and Roofs 3? 

Of Broths and Soups 34 

Conclusion 31 















TENTS of 

Page 588 


dimples 4o2 

M 3 diced Preparations. 
Balsams 404 

Boluses 405 

Cataplasms and Sinapisms 406 

Clysters 407 

Collyiia, or Eye-waters 408 

Confections 409 

Conserves and Preserves ib. 

Decoctions 410 

Draughts 412 

Electuaries 413 

Emulsions 415 

Extracts 416 

Fomentations zb. 


the APPENDIX. 


Gargles Page 417 

Infusions 418 

Juleps 42fr 

Mixtures 42 \ 

Ointments, Liniments and Ce- 
v rates 422 

Pills 425 

. Plasters 426 

Powders 429 

Syrups 432 

Tinctures, Elixirs, &:c, 433 

Vinegars 436 

Waters by infusion, &e. 438 

Simple distilled Waters 439 

Spirilous distilled Waters 440 

Wheys ib* 

Wines 441 


443 JNDEX 


GLOSSARY 


44? 




[ xvii 1 


/ 

/ 

M ANY who perufe the Domestic Medicine, have expreffed a wifb 
that the catalogue of medicines contained in that bookfhould be more 
extenfive, and likewife that the dofe of each article Ihould be al'ccrtained, as 
they are often at a lofs to know how to adminifter even thofe medicines,the 
•names of which they meet with in almoltevery medical author. To obviate 
th is objection, and furnifh a greater fcope to thole who may with to employ 
more articles than are contained in the Difpenfatory annexed to the above 
work, the following Lift of Simples and Compounds, taken from the moft 
improved Difpenfatories, is now inferted. 

To prevent miftakes,the Englifh name of every medicine is not only ufed, 
but the different articles are arranged according to the order of the Engliili 
alphabet, and the fmalleft and largeft dofe placed oppofite to each article. 
The dofes indeed refer to adults, but may be adapted to different ages by 
attending to the rules, .laid down in the Introduction to the Appendix. 
Short cautions are occalionaily inferted under fuch articles as requiie to b® 
ufed with care. 

Though a greater variety of medicines is contained in this than in any 
former edition of the Domeftic Medicine, yet the Author would advife 
thofe who perufe it, as far as pofiible, to adhere to fimplicity .in practice. 
Difeal'es are not cured by the multiplicity of medicines, but by their proper 
application.' A few ftmples, judicioufly adminiftered, and accompanied with 
a proper regimen, will do more good, than a farrago of medicines employed 
•at random. 


A LIST of the MEDICINES commonly used in Practice , with their 

proper Doses. 


A CACIA, the expressed juice. 

from 1 scruple to 

1 drachm 

Jl jL Acid, the acetous 

— 1 scruple 

1 drachm. 

-—, muriatic — 

10 drops 

40 drops 

-, nitrous, diluted — 

15 drops 

40 drops 

-, vitriolic, diluted 

— 15 drops 

40 drops 

./Ether, vitriolic — 

30 drops 

2 drachms 

JEthiops's, mineral — 

10 grains 

30 grains 

Aloes — 

5 grains 

30 grains 

Alum — — 

6 grains 

20 grains 

-,burned — 

3 grains 

12 grains 

Amber, prepared 

— 4 drachm 

1 drachm. 

Ammoniac, gum — 

5 grains 

30 grains 

—:-, milk of 

— i oz. 

1 ounce 

Angelica, the root powdered 

4 drachm 

1| drachm 

Anise, the seeds — 

10 grains 

1 drachm 

Antimony — 

10 grains 

1 drachm 

-, calcined — 

1 scruple 

1 drachm 

-, glass of 

— A gram 

2 grams 

Asafeeiida — 

6 grains 

hall a dra. 

-•, milk of — 

half oz. 

1 ounce 

Asarum, to provoke sneezing 

3 grains 

5 grains 

Balsam of capivi — 

.i:_ 

20 drops 

60 drops 

■■■ "-V/diHiLldil 

■-- of Peru —■ ■ 4 

.. . --- 

•-- CM 1 CMU 

Bark, Peruvian, powder — 

2 scriip. 

2 drac hms 

BearsToot, powder 

— 10 grains 

20 grams 

Benzoin, resin of ’— 

4 grains 

20 gia ns 


c 




















XVI il 


MEDICINES ufod in PRACTICE. 

— from 


Benzoin, flowers of 
Bistort, powder of the root 

Blessed thistle . — 

---expressed juice of 

Bole, Armenian ■— 

-, French — l - 

Borax 

Broom, ashes of the tops 

Burdock, powder ot the root — 

Calomel — “• 

Camphor — 

Canella alba, powder of -— 

Cantharides — 

Cardamoms _ — 

Caraway seeds — 

Cascarilla bark — 

Cassia, the pulj> — 

Castor — — 

Catechu — 

Camomile, in powder — 

Chalk — 

Cinnamon — 

Colocynth — 

Colufnbo —- 

Confection, aromatic — 

-, opiate — 

Crabs claws, prepared — 

Conserve of ‘roses — 

--, of squills — 

- :—■ of arum — 

Contrayerva — 

Coriander seed 

Cowhagc, the spiculae of one pod 
mixed with honey or molasses. 
Dandelvcn, expressed juice — 

Decoction of hartshorn, half a pint 
repeated as often as necessary. 

--of broom, 1 oz. to a pint of 

wafer, to be laken by tea-cupfuls. 

•-of Peruvian bark — 

—-of the inner bark of the elm 

-, of sarsaparilla — 

compound 


-:—i-of guaiacum, 3 drachms 

to a pint of water, A pint daily. 
Electuary of cassia — 

-of sca/nmony — 

-lenitive, or of senna 

Elixir of vitriol — 

Elecampane, powder of the root 
Extract of broom tons 


{ 


10 grains to 20 grains 

1 scruple I drachm 

10 grains 1 drachm 

2 dra. 2 ounces 

10 grains 2 drachms 


10 grains 
1 scruple 
10 grains 

1 gr. to 3 
3 do. to 12 

2 grains to 

1 scruple 
grain 

5 grains 
10 grains 
10 grains 

2 dra. 

S grains 
15 grains 
20 grains 
20 grains 
5 grams 
10 grains 
TO grains 
10 grains 
10 grains 
10 grains 
1 dra. 

20 grains 
20 grains' 
20 grains 

i O 

15 grains 
1 oz. 


40 grains 
1 drachm 

1 drachm 
gr. alterative 
do. purgative 
half a drachm 

2 drachms 
4 grains 

20 grains 
40 grains 
40 grains 
1 oz. 

1 drachm 
30 grains 

1 drachm 

2 scruples 
I drachm 

I drachm 

1 drachm 

2 scruples 
2 scruples 
1 drachm 

1 oz. 

30 grains 

1 drachrri 

2 scruples 
1 drachm 


3 oz. 


1 

oz. 

4 

oz. 

4 

oz. 

16 

oz. daily 

4 

oz. 

16 

oz. daily 

1 

dra. 

1 

oz. 

20 

grains 

1 

drachm 

30 

grains 

6 

drachms 

15 

chops 

50 

drops 

20 

grains 

1 

drachm 

X 

dra. 

1 

drachm 


















Extract of Peruvian bark 

--cascarilla 

—--camomile 

-- colocynth 

-gentian 

-liquorice 

-logwood 

-black hellebore 

-jalap 

-guaiacum 

— — . white poppies 

- 1 -rue 

-savin 

-senna 


from 


MEDICINES ufed in PRACTICE 

10 grains to 
10 grains 
20 grains 
5 grains 
10 grains 
1 dra. 

10 grains 
3 grains 
10 grains 
10 grains 
1, grain 
10 grains. 

10 grains 
10 grains 
4- dra„ 

20 grains 
i grain 

1 oz. 

• 

10 grains 
10 grains 
No. 1. 

10 grains 
15 grains 
5 grains 
20 grains 
10 grains 
15 grains 

2 grains 
20 grains 
10 drops 

5 drops 

2 grams 
1 grain 
5 grains 


Fern, powder of the root 
Fennel seed — 

Fox glove, powder of the leaves 
or a drachm infused in a pint of 
boiling water, of which a doJ'e is 

Should be administered with caution 
Galbanum — 

Galls — 

Garlic, cloves of — 

Gentian — 

Germander — 

G inger —- 

Ginseng — 

Guaiacum, gum-resin — 

Gum arabic — 

--gambouge — 

Hartshorn, prepared — 

-- - —, spirits of — 

--, caustic, in some mucila¬ 
ginous vehicle 

--■, salt of —- 

Hellebore, white — 

--, black 

Hemlock, should always be begun 
In very small doses, of one grain 
or less, and gradually increased 
as the constitution will bear. 

Hiera picra — 

Honey of squills — 

—-of roses — 

Hoffman’s anodyne liquor 
Jalap, powder — 

Infution of Gentian, powder — 

.-of roses — 

--of senna 

Ipecacuanha 

Iron, rust of - 

-ammoniated — 


} 


10 gr; 
10 grr 
1 dra 
20 drc 

10 g r5 
1 ou 


* 

10 g 

5 g 

n 


xix 

4 drachm 
~ drachm 
1 drachm 

25 grains 
4- drachm 

T OZ. 

drachm 
10 grains 
20 grains 
20 grains 

5 grains 
20 grains 
30 grains 
SO grains 

i oz. 

1 drachm 
3 grains 


30 grains^ 
20 grains 
No. 6. 

40 grains 
1 drachm 
20 grains 
30 grains 
30. grains 
l drachm 
12 grains 
1 drachm 
40 chops 

25 drops 

12 grains 
5 grains 
10 grains. 


20 grains 
40 grains 

O 

2 drachms 
60 drops 
40 grains 

3 ounces 
3 ounces 
2 ounces 

30 grains 

o ( 

20 grams 

O 

10 grains 

O* 

























sx MEDICINES nfed in PRACTICE. 

Iron tartarised — from 2 grains to 10 grains 


--salt of — 

Juniper, powder of the berries — 
Kino, gum — 

Kermes, juice of — 

Lichen, ash-coloured, ground — 

-- Icelandic, a strong decoction of 

Lime-water — 

Lixivium, of tartar — 

Linseed, an infusion of 1 ounce to 
a quart of water; may be used at 
pleasure. 

.Madder powder — 

Mace — 

Magnesia ■— 

-- calcined — 

Manna • — 

Mastieh, gum — 

Mercury, crude — 

* -calcined — 

-with chalk — 

--corrosive sublimate — 

-cinnabar of — 

-yellow emetic, as sternutory 

Mezereon, decoct, to a pint of water 
Millipedes — 

Musk — 

Mustard seed — 

Myrrh, gum — 

Nitre, purified — 

Nutmeg — 

Oil of Almonds — 

-Linseed — 

-Castor — 

Olibanum — 

Onion, expressed juice of, a ] 
powerful diuredc ^ 

Opium — 

Opoponax — 

Oxymel of colchicum — 

• -of squills — 

Petroleum — 

Pills, aloetic — 

-of the gums — 

--- mercurial — 

Pomegranate, powder of — 

Powder, antimonial — 

May be taken according to the 
directions for James’s powder, 
with which it nearly coincides. 

--of Gontrayerva, compound — 

-of Chalk compound — 


I 

T 

gram 

5 grams 

20 

grains 

1 drachm 

10 

grains 

30 grains 

1 

drachm 

3 drachms 

3 

grains 

40 grains 

1 

ounce 

4 ounces 

4 

ounces 

8 ounces 

Id 

drops 

40 drops 


•£• drachm 

1 

drachm 

10 grains 

20 

grains 

\ drachm 

o 

drachm^ 

\ ounce 

2 

ounces 

10 grains 

30 

grains 

4- ounce 

4 

ounces 

\ grain 

2 

grains 

10 grains 

30 

grains 

1 gram 

I 

T 

grain 

10 grains 

30 

grains 

1 grain 

3 

grains 


2 

drachms 

20 grains 

2 drachms 

d grains 

40 

grains 

1 drachm 

1 

ounce 

10 grains 

1 

drachm 

10 grains 

30 

grains 

6 grains 

i 

T 

drachm 

4 ounce 

1 

ounce 

2 drachms 

1 

ounce 

d grains 

30 

grains 

ounce 

2 

ounces 

i grain 

2 

grains 

10 grains 

30 

grains 

drachm 

1 

ounce 

4 drachm 

2 

drachms 


10 drops 30 drops 

10 grains 30 grains 

10 grains 30 grains 

10 grains 20 grains 

20 grains 1 drachm 

3 grains 6 grains 


id grains 30 grains 

20 grains 40 grains 






















MEDICINES ufed in PRACTICE. 


xxi 


Powder, of Chalk compound, with opium 

--of Ipecacuanha, com- 7 

pound, or Dover’s powder 3 
Quassia . — 

Two drachms to a pint of water 
for a decoction. 

Quince seeds, mucilage of, at plea¬ 
sure, to obtumd acrimony. 

Rhubarb, powder — 

Resin, yellow — 

Rue powder — 

St. John’s wort — 


10 grains to 
10 grains 
5 grains 


10 grains 
3 grains 
20 grains 


-----— foetid 

Spirits, distilled 
Spermaceti 
Sponge, burned 
Sulphur, flowers of 


1^ 

2 


precipitated, of antimony 


Squill, dried powder 

--— fresh - 

Syrup of poppies 

--- of buckthorn 

--of ginger 

Syrups in general 
Tar water. A pint daily, 
Tartar, cream of 
-- regenerated 

O 

.-- soluble — 

--- emetic, alterative 

---as emetic 


1 

5 

1 

*2* 

1 


40 grains 
30 grains 
30 grains 


40 grains 
20 grains 
40 grains 
1 drachm 


Saffron — 

5 grains 

20 grains 

Sagapenum — 

10 grains 

30 grains 

Sal ammoniac 1 — 

10 grains 

30 grains 

Salt, Epsom — 

2 drachms 

1 \ ounces 

-Glauber — 

4 drachms 

2 ounces 

-Polychrest — 

20 grains 

4 ounce 

.- of Tartar — 

10 grains 

30 grains 

Sarsaparilla, powder of — 

20 grains 

40 grains 

Scammony — 

5 grains 

10 grains 

Seneka — 

20 grains 

40 grains 

Senna — 

20 grains 

40 grains 

Soap — 

20 grains 

\ ounce 

-lees — 

10 drops 

30 drops 

Scurvey grass expressed juice —-- 

1 ounce 

4 ounces 

Snake root — 

20 grains 

40 grains 

Sorrel, juice of, depurated — 

4 ounces 

8 ounces 

Spirit of Mindererus — 

1 drachm 

1 ounce 

•-sweet, of vitriol — 

15 ‘drops 

40 drops 

--of nitre — 

15 drops 

15 drops 

40 drops 

--of sal ammoniac — 

40 drops 


drachm 
20 grains 
20 grains 
20 grains 
1 grain 
grain 
grains 
drachm 
drachm 
1 drachm 
1 drachm 


ounce 
1 drachm 
1 drachm 
I drachm 


2 drachms 
20 grains 
2 drachms 


1 

■ff 


grain 


Terra japomca 


1 gram 
20 grains 


1 

T 

2 

1 

2 

2 


1 ounce 
1 drachm 
1 ounce 
■l grain 
3 grains 
40 grains 











































MEDICINES ufed in PRACTICE 


Tobacco, an infusion of, 1 drachm to 
a pint of water; should be adminis¬ 
tered by tablespoonfuls: strongly 
diuretic. 

Tin, powder of - from 

Turmeric - 

Turpentine, spirits of 
Tincture of aloes —— 

• -compound 

-of asafoetida - 

-Benzoin, compound 

-of cantharides - 

* -of cardamoms 

-of cantor --- 

— -of catechu 

-of Peruvian bark — 

-of iron, muriated 

--of Columbo - 

-- of Gentian, compound 

-of guaiacum volatile 

-of black hellebore 

-- of jalap — 

-of lavender, compound 

-of myrrh 

-of opium — 

— -camphorated, 

or paregoric elixir 

-of rhubarb 

-of senna — 

• -of snake-root 

-of valerian 

-volatile 

Tormentil, powder of 
Valerian, powder of 
Vinegar, distilled 
•— -- of squills — 

• -as emetic 

Verdigris, violent emetic 
Vitriol, white, as a tonic 
-- as a quickly 

operating emetic 

— -— blue, emetic 

Uva ursi, in powder 
Water cress, expressed juice of 
Water, the simple distilled, 

may genei s«Iy be given 
'Wormwood, expressed mice 
White lead 

Wine, aloetic — 

* -antimonial — 

1 pec-in i.anhn — 

* ivi. a o a i kj 





20 grains 
20 grains 
10 drops 
-1 ounce 
i drachm 
4 drachm 
10 drops 
10 drops 
1 drachm 
1 drachm 
1 drachm 
1 drachm 
10 drops 
1 drachm 
1 drachm 
1 drachm 
1 scruple 
1 drachm 
20 drops 
1 scruple 
10 drops 

1 drachm 

4 ounce 

2 drachms 
1 drachm 

1 drachm 

1 drachm 
10 grains 
20 grains 

2 drachms 
10 drops 

4 ounce 

1 grain 

2 grams 

20 grains 

1 grain 
20 grains 
t ounce 

4 ounce 

1 ounce 
1 grain 
x ounce 
20 drops 
1 drachm 
4 ounce 


1 drachm 
1 drachm 
30 drops 

1 ounce 

2 drachms 
2 drachms 

40 drops 
40 drops 
4- ounce 
1-4 drachm 

2 drachms 
£ ounce 

60 drops 

3 drachms 
3 drachms 
3 drachms 

1 drachm 
4- ounce 

2 drachms 

1 drachm 
40 drops 

3 drachms 

2 ounces 

1 ounce 

2 drachms 

3 drachms 
2 drachms 

1 drachm 

2 drachms 
1 ounce 

30 drops 

1 ounce 

2 grains 

3 grains 

1 drachm 

3 grains 

1 drachm 

2 ounces 

3 or 4 oz. 

2 ounces 

3 grains 

1 ounce 

2 drachms 
1-J oimce 

2 ounces 





















































P A R T t 
Of the General Causes of Diseases.’ 

CHAP. I. 

OF CHILDREN. 

T H E better to trace diseases from their original causes, we 
shall take a view of the common treatment of mankind in the 
state of infancy. In this period of our lives, the foundations of 
<i good or bad constitution are laid; it is therefore of importance, 
that parents be well acquainted with the various causes which may 
injure the health of their offspring. 

It appears from the annual registers of the dead, that almost one 
half of the children born in Great-Britaln die under twelve years of 
age. To many, indeed, this may appear a natural evil; but on due 
examination, it will be found to be one of our own creating. Were 
the death of infants a natural evil, other animals would be as liable 
to die young as man; but this we find is by no means the case. 

It n>ay seem strange that man, notwithstanding his superior rea¬ 
son, should fall so far short of other animals in the management of 
his young: But our surprise will soon cease, if we consider that 
brutes, guided by instinct, never err in this respect; while man, 
trusting solely to art, is seldom right. Were a catalogue of those 
infants who perish annually by art alone exhibited to public view, it 
would astonish most people. 

If parents are above taking care of their children, others must be 
employed for that purpose: these will always endeavour to recom¬ 
mend themselves by the appearance of extraordinary skill and ad¬ 
dress. By this means such a number of unnecessary and destruc¬ 
tive articles have been introduced into the diet, clothing, Sz c. of in¬ 
fants, that it is no wonder so many of them perish. 

Nothing can be more preposterous than a mother who thinks it 
below her to take care of her own child, or who is so ignorant as 
not to know what is proper to be done for it. If we search Nature 
throughout,- we cannot find a parallel to this. Every other animal is 
the nurse of its own offspring, and they thrive accordingly. Were 
the brutes to bring up their young by proxy, they would share the 
same fate with those of the human species. 

W e mean not, however, to impose it as a task upon every mother 
to suckle her own child. This, whatever speculative writers may 
alledge, is in some cases impracticable, and would inevitably prove 
destructive both to the mother and child. Women of delicate con¬ 
stitutions, subject to hysteric fits, or other nervous affections, make 
very bad nurses*: and these complaints are now so common, that it 


* I have known an hyfleric woman kill her child, by being; 
fit in the night. 


feized with' a 

IS 




o 


OF CHILDREN. 


is rare to find a woman of fashion free from them; sucli women, 
therefore, supposing them willing, are often unable to suckle their 
own children. 

Almost every mother would be in a condition to give suck, did 
mankind live agreeably to Nature; but whoever considers how far 
many mothers deviate from her dictates, will not be surprised to 
find some of them unable to perform that necessary office. Mothers 
who do not eat a sufficient quantity of solid food, nor enjoy the be¬ 
nefit of fresh air and exercise, can neither have wholesome juices 
themselves, nor afford proper nourishment to an infant. Hence 
children who are suckled by delicate women, either die young, or 
continue weak and sickly all their Jives. 

When we say that mothers are not always in a condition to suc¬ 
kle their own children, we would not be understood as discouraging 
that practice. Every mother who can, ought certainly to perform 
so tender and agreeable an office*. But suppose it to be out of her 
power, she may, nevertheless, be of great service to her child. The 
business of nursing is by no means confined to giving suck. To a 
woman who abounds with milk, this is the easiest part of it. Num¬ 
berless other offices are necessary for a child, which the mother ought 
at least to see done. 

A mother who abandons the fruit of her womb, as soon as it is 
born, to the sole care of an hireling, hardly deserves that name. A 
child, by being brought up under the mother’s eye, not only secures 
her affection, but may reap all the advantages of a parent’s care, 
though it be suckled by another. How can a mother be better em¬ 
ployed than in superintending the nursery? This is at once the 
most delightful and important office; yet the most trivial business or 
insipid amusements are often preferred to it! A strong proof both 
of the bad taste and wrong education of modern females. 

It is indeed to be regretted, that more care is not bestowed in 
teaching the proper management of children to those whom Nature 
has designed for mothers. This, instead of being made the princi¬ 
pal, is seldom considered a>s any part of female education. Is it 
any wonder, when females so educated come to be mothers, that 
they should be quite ignorant of the duties belonging to that charac¬ 
ter ? However strange it may appear, it is certainly true, that ma¬ 
ny mothers, and those of fashion too, are as ignorant, when they 
Lave brought a child into the world, of what is to be done for it, as 
the infant itself. Indeed, the most ignorant of the sex are general- 

* Many advantages would arife to fociety, as well as to individuals, from 
mothers luckling their own children. It would prevent the temptation 
which poor women are laid under of abandoning their children to fuckle 
thofe of the rich for the fake of gain; by which means fociety lofes many of 
Its molt ufeful members, and mothers become in fome fenfe the murderers of 
their own offspring. I am fare I ipeak within the truth when I fav that 
not one in twenty of thofe children live, who are thus abandoned by their 
mothers. F r this reafon no mother fnould be allowed to fuckle another’s 
child, till her own is either dead, or fit to be weaned. A regulation of this 
kind would fave many lives among the poorer fort, and could do no hurt to 
tx.e rich as mcft women who make good nurfes are able to fuckle two chii- 
aren in fucceflion upon the fame milk. 

h 



reckoned most knowing til the business of nursing. Hence, sen¬ 
sible people become the dupes of ignorance and superstition; and 
the nursing of children, instead of being conducted by reason, is 
the result of whim and caprice*. 

^ ere t e tirn^^ t. iat is generally spent by females in the aeonbi- 
tion of trilling accomplishments, employed in learfimg hoivto bring 
up their children ; how to dress them so as not. to hurt, cramp, or 
Confine their motions ; how to feed them with wholesome and nou¬ 


rishing food; how to exercise their tender bodies, so as best to pro¬ 
mote their growth and strength: were these made the objects of 
female instruction, mankind wbuld derive the greatest advantages 
from it. But while the education of females implies little more than 
What relates to dress and ptiblic shew,, we have nothing to expect 
from them but ignorance even in the most important concerns. 

. Did mothers reflect on their own importance, and lay it to heart, 
they would embrace every opportunity of informing themselves of 
the duties which they otve to their infant offspring. It is their pro¬ 
vince, not only to form the body, but also to give the mind its most 
early bias. They have it very much in their power to make men 
healthy or valetudinary, useful in life, or the pests of society. 

But the mother is not the only person concerned in the manage¬ 
ment of children. The father has an equal interest in their welfare, 
and ought to assist in every thing that respects either the improve¬ 
ment of the body or mind. 

It is pity that the men should be so inattentive to this matter. 
Their negligence is one reason why females know so little of it. 
Women will ever be desirous to excel in such accomplishments as 
recommend them to the other sex. Bui men generally keep at such 
a distance from even the smallest acquaintance with the affairs of 
the nursery, that many would reckon it an affront, were they sup¬ 
posed to know any thing of them. Not so, however, with the 
kennel or the stables: a gentleman of the first rank is not ashamed to 
give directions concerning the management of his clogs or horses, yet 
would blush were he surprised in performing the same office for that 
being who derived its existence from himself who is the heir of his 
fortunes, and the future hope of nis country. 

Nor have physicians themselves been sufficiently attentive to the 
management of children: this im- been generally considered as the 
sole province of old women, while men of the first character in 

Such conduct 


sick. 


physic have refused to visit infants even when s 
in the facility has hot only chived this branch o; medicine to be ne¬ 
glected, but has also encourage,, the other sex to assume an absolid 
title to prescribe for children m the most dangerous diseases. T 
consequence is, that a physician is seldom called till the good - 


* Tacitus, the celebrated Roman hiftorian, complains greatly ' 
generacy of the Roman ladies in his tiipe, with regard to they:, 
offspring, lie fays that, in former times, Tie great ell women i 
■ to account it their chief glory to keep the houfe and attend tl 
but that now the young infant was committed to the fcle care 
Grecian wench, or other menial lervant.—We are afraid, v.T 
dni ffemmacy prevail, there will be too much ground for this 


4 


OF CHILDREN. 

men have exhausted all their skill ; when his attendance can only 
serve to divide the blame, and appease the disconsolate parents. 

Nurses should do all in their power to prevent diseases; but 
when a child is taken ill, some person of skill ought immediately to 
be consulted. The diseases of children are generally acute, and 
the least delay is dangerous. 

Were physicians more attentive to the diseases of infants, they 
would not only be better qualified to treat them properly when sick> 
Ibut likewise to give useful directions for their management when 
well. The diseases of children are by no means so difficult to be 
understood as many imagine. It is true, children cannot tell their 
complaints; but the causes of them may be pretty certainly disco¬ 
vered by observing the symptoms, and putting proper questions to 
the nurses. Besides-, the diseases of infants being less complicated, 
are easier cured than those of adults*. 

It is really astonishing, that so little attention should in general 
be paid to the preservation of infants. What labour and expence 
are daily bestowed to prop an old tottering carcase for a few years, 
while thousands of those who might be useful in life, perish with- 
-out being regarded ! Mankind are too apt to value things accord¬ 
ing to their present, not their future, usefulness. Though this is of 
all others the most erroneous method of estimation; vet upon no 
other principle is it possible to account for the general indiffer¬ 
ence with respect to the death of infants. 

Of Diseased Parents . 

One great source of the diseases of children is, the uNhealthi- 
<KKss of parents, ft would be as reasonable to expect a riel* 
crop from a barren soil, as that strong and healthy children should 
be born of parents whose Constitutions have been worn out with 
intemperance Or disease. 

i\n ingenious writerf observes, that on the constitution of mo¬ 
thers depends originally that of their offspring. No one who be- 
iieves this, will be surprised, on a view of the female world, to find 
diseases and death so frequent among children. A delicate female/ 
bi ought up within doors, an utter stranger to exercise and open air, 
who lives on tea and other slops, may bring a child into the world, 
ut it vs ill hardly be fit to live. The first blast of disease will nip 
the tender plant in th'e bud: or should it struggle through a few. 

ars existence, its feeble frame, shaken with convulsions from eve- 
ii\ in; cause, wiM be unable io perform the common functions of 
and prove a burden to society. 

atmon .opinion, that the difeafes of infants are hard to difeover 
to cure, has deterred many phyflciar ? from pa ing that atten- 
I'hich they deferve. I Can, however, from experience declare, 
11 *^ " ithout founaanon; and that the di leaf 's of infants are 
uh to uncover, nor to iil to cure, as theie of adults. 

| Roufleaa. 


If 


OF CHILDRE N, 5 

If to the delicacy of mothers, we add the irregular lives of fa¬ 
thers, we shall see further cause to believe that children are often 
hurt by the constitution of their parents. A sickly frame may be 
originally induced by hardships or intemperance, but chiefly by the 
latter. It is impossible that a course of vice should not spoil 
the best constitution: and, did the evil terminate here, it would 
be a just punishment for the folly of the sufferer; but when once a 
disease is contracted and riveted in the habit, it is entailed" on pos¬ 
terity. What a dreadftil inheritance is the gout, the scurvy, or the 
king’s evil to transmit to our offspring! how happy had it been for 
the heir of many a great estate, had he been born a beggar, rather 
than to inherit his father’s fortunes at the expence of inheriting his 
diseases! 

A'person labouring under any incurable malady, ought not to 
marry. He thereby not only shortens his own life, but transmits 
misery to others; but when both parties are deeply tainted with the 
scrophula, the scurvy, or the like, the effects must be still worse. 
If such have any issue, they must be miserable indeed. Want of at¬ 
tention to these things, in forming connections for life, has rooted 
out more familes than plague, famine, or the sword; and as long as 
these connections are formed from mercenary views, the evil will 
be continued*. 

In our matrimonial contracts, it is amazing so little regard is had 
to the health and form of the object. Our sportsmen know that the 
generous courser cannot be bred out of the foundered jade,, nor the 
sagacious spaniel out of the snarling cur. This is settled upon im¬ 
mutable laws. The man who marries a woman of a sickly constitu¬ 
tion, and descended of unhealthy parents, whatever his views may 
be, cannot be said to acta prudent part. A diseased woman may 
prove fertile; should this be the case, the family must become an in¬ 
firmary : what prospect of happiness the father of such a family 
has,, we shall leave any one tojudgef* 

Such children as have (he misfortune to be born of diseased; pa¬ 
rents, will require to be nursed with greater care than others.. This 
is the only way to make amends for the defects of constitution; and 
it will often go a great length. A healthy nurse,.wholesome air, and 
sufficient exercise, will do wonders But when these are neglect¬ 
ed, little is to be expected from any other quarter. The defects of 
constitution cannot be supplied by medicine. 

Those who inherit anv family, disease ought to be very* circum¬ 
spect in their manner of living.. They should consider well the 
»ature of such diseases, and guard against it by a proper regimen. 

* The Lacedemonians condemned their, king Archidamus for having mar¬ 
ried a weak, puny woman; becaufe, faid they, inftead of propagating a race 
©f heroes, you will fill the throne with a progeny of changelings. 

f The Jews, by their laws, were, m certain cafes, forbid to have any man¬ 
ner of commerce with the difeafisd; and indeed to this all wife legislators 
ought to have a fpecial regard. In fome countries, difeafed perfons have 
aftually been forbid to marry. This is an evil of a complicated kind, a na¬ 
tural deformity, and politic! mischief; and therefore requires a public conu- 
eUration. 

It; 


o 


OF CHILDREN. 


It is certain, that family diseases have often, by proper care, been 
kept off for one generation; and there is reason to believe, that, 
by persisting m'ti;e same course, such diseases might at length be 
wholly eradicated. This is a subject very little regarded, though .of. 
the greatest importance. Family constitutions are as capable of 
improvement as family estates; and the libertine, who impairs the 
one, does greater injury to his posterity, tli^n. the prodigal wfy> 
squanders away the other. 


Of the Clothing of Children, 

The clothing of an infant is so simple a matter, that it is surpns* 
pig how any person should err in it; yet many children lose their 
five*, and others arp deformed, by inattention to this article. 

Nature knows no use of clothes to an infant, but to keep it 
warm. All that is necessary for this purpose! is to wrap it in a soft 
loose covering. Were a mother left to the dictates of Nature alone, 
she would certainly pursue this cou/se. But the business of dress¬ 
ing an infant has long been out of the hands of mothers, and has at 
last become a secret which none but adepts pretend to understand. 

From the most early ages it has been thought necessary, that a 
woman in labour, should have some person to attend her. This in 
time became a business; and, as in all others, those who were em¬ 
ployed in it strove to outdo one another in the different branches 
of their profession. The dressing of a child came of course to be 
considered as the midwife’s province, who no doubt imagined, that 
the more dexterity she could shew in this article, the more her 



ry heaped upon it as possible. Thus it came to be thought as ne¬ 
cessary for a midwife to excel in bracing and dressing an infant, as 
for a surgeon to be expert in applying bandages to a broken limb; 
and die poor child, as soon as it came into the world, had as many 
rollers and wrappers applied to its body, as if every bone had been 
factured in the birth; while these were of ten’so tight, as not only 
to gall and wound its tender frame, but even to obstruct the motion 
of the heart; lungs, and other organs necessary for life! 

In most parts of Britain, the practice of rolling children with so 
many bandages is now, in sonic measure, laid unde; but it woujd 
si ill be a df! cult fork to pei-uacle the generality of mankind, that 
the shape of an ‘infant doe; not entirely depend on the care of die 
midwife. So tar, however, are all her endeavours to mend the 
shape from being successful, that they constantly operate the con¬ 
trary wav’, and mankind become deformed in proportion to the' 
means u ed to prevent it. IIow little deformity of body is to be 
f'und among uncivilized nations? So little indeed, that‘it is \ ah 
garb' behoved they put all their deformed children to death. The 
truth is, they hardly know such a thing as a deformed child. N- C 
ther should we, if we followed their example. Savage‘nations nc\ ,u 

think 


OF CHILDREN. 


7 


think of manacling their children. They allow them the fall use 
of every organ, carry them abroad in the open air, wash their bo¬ 
dies daily in cold water, &c. By this management, their children 
become so strong and hardy, that by the time our puny infants get 
out of the nurse’s arms, theirs are able to shift for themselves*. 

Among brute animals, no art is necessary to procure a fine shape. 
Though many of them are extremely delicate when they come into 
the world, yet we never find them grow crooked for want of swad¬ 
dling bands. Is Nature less generous to the human kind? No: but 
>ve take the business out of Nature’s hands. 

Not only the analogy of other animals, but the very feelings of 
infants tell us, they ought to be kept easy and free from all pres¬ 
sure. They cannot indeed tell their complaint's; but they can shew 
signs of pain: and this they never fail to do, by crying when hurt 
by their clothes. No sooner are they freed from their bracings, 
than they seem pleased and happy : yet, strange infatuation! the mo¬ 
ment they hold their peace,,they are again committed to their chains. 

If we consider the body of an infant as a bundle of soft pipes, 
replenished vyith fluids in continual motion, the danger of pressure 
will appear in the,strongest light. Nature, in order to make way 
for the growth of children, has formed their bodies soft and flexible; 
and lest they should receive any injury from pressure in the, womb. 
Has surround the fiStus every where with fluids. This shews the 
care which Nature takes to prevent all unequal pressure on the bo¬ 
dies of infants, and to defend them against every thing that might 
in the least cramp or confine their motions. 

Even the bones of an infant are so soft and cartilaginous, that 
they readily yield to the slightest pressure, and easily assume a bad 
shape, which can never after be remedied. Hence it is, that so 
many people appear with high shoulders, crooked spines, and flat 
breasts, who were as well proportioned at their births as others, but 
|iad the misfortune to be squeezed out of shape by the application 
of stays and bandages. 

Pressure, by obstructing the, circulation, likewise prevents tfie 
equal distribution of nourishment to the different parts of the body, 
by which means the growth becomes unequal. One part grows 
too large, while another remains too small; and thus in time the 
whole frame becomes disproportioned and misshapen. To this we 
must add, that when a child is cramped in its clothes, it naturally 
shrinks from the part that is hurt; and. by putting its body into un¬ 
natural postures, it becomes deformed by habit. 

Deformity of body may indeed proceed from weakness or dis¬ 
ease; but in genera], it is the effect of improper clothing. Nine- 
tenths, at least, of the deformity among mankind, must be imputed to 
this cause. A deformed body is not only disagreeable to the eye, 
but by a bad figure both the animal and vital functions must be im- 


* A friend of mine, who was feveral years on the coaft of Africa, fells 
me, ''sat the na'i.veR neither put any clothes upon their children, nor apply 
f their bodHs bandages of any kind, but lay them on a pallet, and f iber 
y ■ vs to rumble about at pleufyre; yet they are all (Haight, and feldcm have 


an,/ difeats. 


peeled 




8 


OF CHILDREN. 


peded, and of course heak Impaired. Hence lew people remark* 
ably misshapen are strong or healthy. 

Ike new motions which commence at the birth, as the circular 
tion of the whole mass of block, through the lungs, respiration, the 
perisraiic motion, &e. afford another strong argument for keeping 
the body of an infant fee from all pressure. These organs, not 
having been accustomed to move, are easily stopped; but when 
this happens, death must ensue. Hardly any method could be de¬ 
vised more effectually to stop these motions, than bracing the body 
too tight with rollers* and bandages. Were these to be applied in 
the same manner to the body of an adult for an equal length of 
time, they would hardly fail to hurt the digestion and make him 
sick. How much more hurtful they must prove to -the tender bo¬ 
dies of infants, we shall leave any one to judge. 

Whoever considers these things will not be surprised, that so ma¬ 
ny children die of convulsions soon after the birth. These fits are- 
generally attributed to some inward cause; but in fact they oftener 
pr oceed from our own imprudent conduct. I have known a child 
seized with convulsion-fits soon after the midwife had done swad¬ 
dling it, who, upon taking off the rollers and bandages, was imme¬ 
diately relieved, and never had the disease afterwards. Numerous 
examples of this might be given, were they necessary. 

It would be safer to fasten the clothes of an infant with strings 
than pins, as these often gall and irritate their tender skins, and oc¬ 
casion disorders. Pins have been found sticking above half an inch 
into the body of a child, after it had died of convulsion fits, which 
in all probability proceeded from that cause. 

Children are not only hurt by the tightness of their clothes, but 
also by the quantity. Every child has some degree of fever after- 
tbe birth; and if it be loaded with too many clothes, the fever must 
be increased. But this is not all; the child is generally laid in beet 
with the mother, who is often likewise feverish; to which we may 
add the heat of the bed-chamber, the wines, and other heating 
things, too frequently given to children immediately after the birth.. 
When all these arc combined, which does not seldom happen, they 
must increase the fever to such a degree as will endanger the life- 
of the infant. 

The danger of keeping infants too hot will further appear, if 
we consider that, after they have been for some time in the situa-. 
tion mentioned above, they are often sent into the country to be 
nursed in a cold house. Is it any wonder, if a child, from such a 
transition, catches a mortal cold, or contracts some other futal dis-. 
easer When an infant is kept too hot, its lungs, not being suffi¬ 
ciently expanded, are apt to remain weak and flaccid for life; 
Bence proceed coughs, consumptions, and other diseases of the 
breast. 


' This is hv r>o moans jove'ch 
In many par's of Briiain a 1 - this 
applied tightly round the child’s 


: ’T adrift a thing that rkes- not happen, 
dan-a r. Ikr, eight or ten fWr in length, is- 
body sui Ikon as it is horn. 


It 



9 


OF CHILDREN. 

it'would answer little purpose to specify the particular species of 
'dress proper for an infant These will always vary in different 
■countries, according to custom and the humour of parents. The 
great rule to be observed is. That a child hare no more clothes than ari 
necessary to keep it warm , and that they be quite easy for its body. 

Stays are the very bane of infants.' A volume would not suffice 
to point out all the bad effects of this ridiculous piece of dress both 
•n children and adults. The madness in favour of stays seems how¬ 
ever, to be somewhat abated; and it is to be hoped the w'orld will, 
in time, become wise enough to know, that the human shape does 
not solely depend upon whale-bone and bend leather*. 

I shall only add with respect to the clothes of children, that they 
'Wight to be kept thoroughly clean. Children perspye more than 
adults; and if their clothes be not frequently changed, they become 
very hurtful. Dirty clothes not only gall and fret the tender skins 
■of infants, but likewise occasion ill smells; and what is worse, tend 
to produce vermin and cutaneous diseases. 

Cleanliness es not only agreeable to the eye, but tends greatly to 
preserve the health of children. It promotes the perspiration, and, 
by that means, frees the body from superfluous humour , which, if 
retained, could not fail to occasion diseases. No mother or nurse 
Can have any excuse for allowing a child to be dirty Poverty may 
oblige her to give it coarse clothes; but if she does nockeep them 
♦lean,it must be her own fault. 

Of the Food of Children. 

Nature not only points out the food proper for aft infant, but ac¬ 
tually prepares it. This, however, is not sufficient to prevent some 
who think themselves wiser than Nature, from attempting to bring 
up their children without her provision. Nothing can shew the dis¬ 
position which mankind have to depart from Nature more fhan 
their endeavouring to bring up children without the breast. The mo¬ 
ther's milk, or that of a healthy nurse, is unquestionably the best 
food for an infant. Neither art nor Nature can afford a proper sub¬ 
stitute for it. Children may seem to thrive for a few months with¬ 
out the breast; but when teething, the small-pox, and other dis¬ 
eases incident to childhood, come on, they generally perish. 

A child, soon after the birth, shews an inclination to suck; and 
there is no reason why it should not be gratified. It is true, the 
mother's milk does not always come immediately after the birth; 
but this is the way to bring it: besides, the first milk that the child 

* Stays made of bend leather are worn by all the women of lower Na¬ 
tion in m'any parts of England. 

I am forry to underhand, that there are Hill mothers mad enough to lace 
their daughters very tight in order to improve their Ihape. As reafonmg 
would be totally loll upon fuch people, 1 fhall beg leave juff to afk them. 
Why there are ten deformed women for one man? and liken ilc to reo nr- 
-mend to their perufal a fliort moral precept, which forbids us to deform 
HUMAN BODY. 


can 


io O F C H I L D R E Nu 

can squeeze out of the breast answers the purpose of cleansing, 
better than all the drugs in the apothecary’s shop, and at the same 
time prevents inflammations of the breast, fevers, and other dis¬ 
eases incident to mothers. 

It is strange how people came to think that the first thing giveii 
to a child ^should be drugs. This is beginning with medicine by 
times, and. no wonder if they generally end with it. It sometimes 
happens, indeed, that a child does not discharge the meconium so 
Soon as could be wished; this has induced physicians, in such cases, 
ip give something of an opening nature to cleanse the first passages. 
Midwives have improved upon this hint, and never fail to give 
syrups, oils, &c. whether they be necessary or not. Cramming an 
infant with such indigestible stuff' as soon as it is born, can hard¬ 
ly fail to make it sick, and is more likely to occasion diseases than 
to prevent them. Children are seldom long after the birth without 
having a passage both by stool and iirine ; though these evacuations 
may be Wanting for some time without any danger. But if chil¬ 
dren must have something before they be allowed the breast, let it 
be a little thin water pap, to which may be added an equal quantify 
of new 7 milk; or rather water alone, with the addition of a little 
raw sugar. If this be given without any wines or spicerics, it will 
neither heat the blood, lt>ad the stomach, nor occasion gripes. 

Upon the first sight of Hh infant, almost every person is struck 
with the idea of its being weak, feeble, and wanting support. This 
naturally suggests the need of cordials. Accordingly wines are 
universally mixed with the first food of children. Nothing can be 
more fallacious than this way of reasoning; or mOre hurtful to in¬ 
fants than the conduct founded upon it. Children require very lit¬ 
tle food for sometime after the birth; and what they receive should 
fee tlihi, weak, light; and of a cooling quality. A very small quan¬ 
tify tit wine is sufficient to heat and inflame the blood of ah infant; 
but every person conversant in these matters must know, that most 
of the disease's of infants proceed from the heat of their humours. 

If the mother or nurse lias enough of milk; the child will need 
little of no other food before the third or fourth month. It will 
then be proper to give it, once or twice a day, a little of some 
food that is easy of digestion, as water-pap, milk-pottage, weak 
brofh with bread in it, and sUch like. This will ease the mother 
will accustom the child by degrees to take food, and will render the 
Weaning both less difficult and less dangerous. All great and sud¬ 
den transitions are to be avoided in nursing. For this purpose, the 
food of children ought not only to be simple, but to resemble, as 
nearly as possible, the properties of milk. Indeed milk itself should 
make a principal part of their food, not only before they are wean¬ 
ed, but for some time after. , 

Next to milk, w'e would recommend good light bread. Bread 
may be given to a child as soon as it shews an inclination to chew; 
and it may at all times be allowed as much plain bread as it will eat’ 
The very chewing of bread will promote the cutting of the teethj 
and the discharge of saliva, while by mixing with the nurse’s milk 
in the stomach, it will afford an excellent nourishment. Children 

discover 


OF CHILDREN 


H 


discover an early inclination to chew whatever is put into their 
hands. Parents observe the inclination, but generally mistake the 
©bject. Instead of giving the child something which may at once 
exercise its gums ana afford it nourishment, they commonly put into 
its hands a piece oi hard metal, or impenetrable coral. A crust of 
bread is the best gum-stick. It not only answers the purpose bet¬ 
ter than any thing else, but has the additional properties of nourish¬ 
ing the child and carrying the saliva down to the stomach; which is 
too valuable a liquor to .be lost. 

„ Bread, besides being used dry, may be many ways prepared into 
food for children. One of the best methods is to boil it in Water, 
afterwards pouring the water off, and mixing with the bread a pro¬ 
per quantity of new milk unboiled. Milk is both more wholesome 
and nourishing this way than boiled, and is less apt to occasion cos¬ 
tiveness. For a child farther advanced, bread may be mixed in veal 
or chicken broth, made into puddings, or the like. Bread is a pro¬ 
per food for children at all times, provided it be plain, made of 
wholesome grain, and well fermented; but when enriched with 
fruits, sugars, or such things, it becomes very unwholesome. 

It is soon enough to allow children animal food when thev have 
got teeth to eat it. They should never taste it till after they are 
weaned, and even then they ought to. use it sparingly. Indeed, 
when children live wholly on vegetable food, it is apt to sour on their 
stomachs; but, on the other hand, too much flesh heats the body, 
and occasions fevers and other inflammatory diseases. This plainly 
points out a due mixture of animal and vegetable food as most pro¬ 
per for children. 

Few things prove more hurtful to infants than the common method 
of sweetening their food. It entices them to take more than they 
ought to do, which makes them grow fat and bloated. It is pretty 
certain, if the food of children were quite plain, that they Would 
never take more than enough. Their.excesses are entirely owing 
to nurses. If a child be gorged with food at all hours, and enticed 
to take it, by making it sweet and agreeable to the palate, is it any 
wonder that such a child should in time be induced to crave more 
food than it ought to have? 

Children may be hurt by too little as well as too much food. Af¬ 
ter a child is weaned, it ought to be fed four or five times a day; hut 
.should never be accustomed to eat in the night; neither should it 
have too much at a time. Children thrive best with small quanti¬ 
ties of food frequently given. This neither overloads the stomach 
nor hurts the digestion, and is certainly most agreeable to nature. 

Writers on nursing have inveighed with such vehemence against, 
giving children too much food, that many parents, by endeavouring 
to shun that error, have run into the opposite extreme, and ruined 
the constitutions of their children. But the error of pinching chil¬ 
dren in their food is more hurtful than the other extreme. Nature 
has many ways of relieving herself when overcharged; but a child, 
yvho is pinched with hunger, will never become* a strong or healthy 
man. That errors are frequently commit tea on both sides w-:ne 
ready to acknowledge; but where one child is hurt by the qm xi y 

E 4 f * 


<>f its food, ten suffer from the quality. This is the principal evil, 

and claims our strictest attention. 

Many people imagine, that the food which they themselves love 
'cannot be bad for their children: but this notion is very absurd. In 
the more advanced periods of life we often ac quire ah inclination 
for food, which when children we could not endure. Besides, there 



proper to feed children with fat meat, strong broths, rich soups, or 
the like. 

All strong liquors are hurtful to children. Some parents teach 
their children to guzzle ale, and other fermented liquors, at every 
meal. Such a practice cannot fail to do mischief. These children 
seldom escape the violence of the small-pox, measles, hooping 
coughs or some inflammatory disorder. Milk, water, butter-milk, or 
whey, are the most proper for children to drink. If they have any 
thing stronger, it may be fine small beer, or a little wine mixed with 
water. The stomach of children can digest well enough without 
the assistance of warm stimulants: besides, being naturally hot, 
they are easily hurt by eveiy thing of a heating quality. 

Few things are more hurtful to children than unripe fruits. They 
weaken the powers of digestion, and sour and relax the stomach, by 
which means it heeohies a proper nest for insects. Children indeed 
shew a great inclination for fruit, and I am apt to believe, that if 
good ripe fruit were allowed them in proper quantity, it would have 
ho bad effects. We never find a natural inclination wrong, if pro¬ 
perly regulated. Fruits are generally of a cooling nature, and cor¬ 
rect the heat and acrimony of the Tumours. This is what most 
children require; only care should be taken lest they exceed. In¬ 
deed the best way to prevent children from going to' excess in the 
use of fruit; or hating that Which is bad, is to allow them a proper 
quantity of what Is good.* 

Roots which Contain a crude Viscid juice should be sparingly giv¬ 
en to children. They fill the body with gross humours, and tend 
to produce eruptive diseases. This caution is peculiarly necessa¬ 
ry for the poor; glad to obtain at a small price what will fill the bel¬ 
lies of their children, they stuff il em two or three times a day with 
crude vegetables. Children had better eat a smaller quantity of 
food wmch yields a wholesome nourishment, than be crammed with 
'vn 1)at. their dige five poweis are unable propoi ly to assmiilafe 

Btttlef- ought likewise to be sparingly given to Children. It both 
relaxes the stomach, and produces gross huinours. Indeed, most 
tilings tnat a*e fat 01 miy Lave tins effect. Butter when -sited be- 

, * Ch ildren are nh.Va.ys fckly In the fruit ieafon, which mis be Tus ac 
bourne 3 for: lxvo-thircn, of the fruit v hich comes to ma W fr his or on’ 
try is really Unripe; '.mu eld tree nr' be- o- h. a condidu to judee for then!’ 
i elves, eat •whatever the, can lay he W and. tm, n , v hich 4ef r^oVe T 
tie better than poifcn to heir ter ei bm cl .Sc-V-i— - 1 , . 1 ~ 

the care of children, f., he ftriftlj- forbid to £ive'them a.'y ‘fru V VitS 
isu knowledge of their parents! J unouo 


comes 


OF CHILDREN. 13 

•soroes still more hurtful. Instead of butter, ro liberally given to 
children in most parts of Britain, we would recommend honey. 
Children who eat honey are seldom troubled with worms: they are 
also less subject to cutaneous diseases, as itch, scabbed head, &c. 

Many people err in thinking that the diet of children ought to be 
altogether moist. When children live entirely upon slops, it relax¬ 
es their solids, renders them weak, and disposes them to the- rickets, 
shrophula, and other glandular disorders. Relaxation'" is one of the 
most general causes of the diseases of children. Every thing therefore 
which tends to unbrace their solids, ought 10 be carefully avoided. 

We would not be understood by these observations as confining 
children to any particular kind of food. Their diet may be frequent¬ 
ly varied, provided always tfiat sufficient regard be had to simplicity. 


Of the Exercise of Children. 

Of all the causes which conspire to render the life of man short 
and miserable, none has greater influence than the want of proper 
Exercise: healthy parents, wholesome food, and proper clothing, 
will avail little, where exercise is neglected. Sufficient exercise will 
make up for several defects in nursing; but nothing can supply the 
want of it. It is absolutely necessary to the health, the growth, 
and the strength of children. 

The desire of exercise is coeval with life itself. Were this prin¬ 
ciple attended to, many diseases might be prevented. But, while 
indolence and sedentary employments prevent two-thirds of man¬ 
kind from either taking sufficient exercise themselves, or giving it to 
their children/ what have we to expect but diseases and deformity 
among their offspring? The rickets, so destructive to children, ne¬ 
ver appeared in Britain till manufactures began to flourish, and peo¬ 
ple, attracted by the love of gain, left the country to follow seden¬ 
tary emrdovments in great towns. It is amongst these people that 
this disease chiefly prevails, and not only deforms but kills many of 
their offspring. 

The conduct of othej* young^animals shews the propriety of giv¬ 
ing exercise to children. Every other animal,makes use of its or¬ 
gans of motion as soon as it can, and many of them, even when un¬ 
der no necessity of moving in quest of mod, cannot be restrained 
without force. This is evidently the case with the calf, the lamb, 
and most other young animals. If these creatures were not per¬ 
mitted to frisk about and take exercie, they would soon die or be¬ 
come diseased, The same inclination appears very early in the hu¬ 
man .species; but as they are not able to take exercise themselves, 
ills the business of their parents and nurses to assist them. 

Children may be exercised various ways. The best method, 
while they are light, is to carry them about in the nurse’s arms*. 

* The nurfe ought to be careful to keep the child in a proper polition ; as 
deformity is often the confequence of inattention to this circumftar.ce. Its 
fituation ought alfo to he frequently changed. I have known a child’s leg 
bant all on one fide, bv the nurfe carrying it conftantly on one arm. 

This 


14 


OF CHILDREN. 

This gives the nurse an opportunity of talking to the child, and of 
pointing out every thing that may please and delight its fancy. Be¬ 
sides, if is much safer than swinging an infant in a machine, or leav¬ 
ing it to the care of such as are not fit to take care of themselves. 
Nothing can he more absurd than to set one child to keep another ; 
this conduct has proved fatal to many infants, and has rendered 
others miserable for life. 

When children begin to walk, the safest and best method of lead¬ 
ing them about is by the hands. The common way, of swinging 
them in leading strings, fixed to their backs, has several bad conse¬ 
quences. It makes them throw their bodies forward, and press 
with their whole weight upon the stomach and breast; by this means 
the breathing is obstructed, the breast flattened, and the bowels 
compressed; which must hurt the digestion, and occasion consump¬ 
tions of the lungs, and other diseases. 

It is a common notion, that if children are set upon their feet foo 
soon, their legs will become crooked. There is reason to believe, 
that the very reverse of this is true. Every member acquires 
s rength in proportion as it i's exercised. The limbs of children 
are weak indeed, but their bodies are proportionally light; and had 
they skill to direct themselves, they would soon be able to support 
their own weight. Who ever heard of any other animal that be¬ 
came crooked by using its legs too soon ? Indeed, if a child is not 
permitted (o make any use of its legs till a considerable time afte^r 
the birth, and be then set upon them with its whole weight at once, 
there may be some danger; but this proceeds entirely from the 
child’s not having been accustomed to use its legs from the begin¬ 
ning. 

Mothers of the poorer sort think they are great gainers by mak¬ 
ing their children lie or sit while they themselves work. In this 
they are greatly mistaken. By neglecting to give their children ex¬ 
ercise, they are obliged to keep them a long time before they can 
do any thing for themselves, and to spend more on medicine than 
would have paid for proper care. 

To take care of their children, is the most useful business in 
which even the poor can be employed: but alas! it is not always in 
their power. Poverty often obliges them to neglect their offspring 
in order to procure the necessaries of life. When this is the case, 
ir becomes the interest as well as the duty of the public to assist 
them. Ten thousand times more benefit would accrue to the state, 
by enabling the poor to bring up their own children, than from all 
the hospitals* that ever can be erected for that purpose. 


* If h were made the intereft of the poor to keep their children alive, we 
thou id loic very few ot them. A finall premium given annually to each pobr 
family, for everv child they have alive at* the year’s end, would fave more in¬ 
fant lives than if the whole revenue of the crown were expended on hofpitals 
for this purpofe. This would make the poor efteem fertility a hleffin^- 
\v he re as many of them think it the greateft curie that can befal them- and 
w place of wifhiag their children to live, fo far does poverty get the better 
of natural affection, that they are often very happy when they d ie. 


Whoever 


OF CHILDREN. 


15 


Whoever considers the structure of the human body will soon be 
oonvinced of the necessity of exercise for the health of children. 
The body is composed of an infinite number of tubes, whose fluids 
cannot be pushed on without the action and pressure of the mus¬ 
cles, But, if the fluids remain inactive, obstructions must happen, 
and the humours will of course be vitiated, which cannot fail to oc¬ 
casion diseases. Nature has furnished both the vessels which carry 
the blood and lymph with numerous valves, in order that the action 
of every muscle might push forward their contents; but vyithout 
action, this admirable contrivance can have no effect. This part of 
the animal oeconomy proves to a demonstration the necessity of ex¬ 
ercise for the preservation of health. 

Arguments to shew the importance of exercise might be drawn 
from every part of the animal (Economy; without exercise, the cir¬ 
culation of the blood cannot be properly carried on, nor the diffe¬ 
rent secretions duly performed; without exercise, the fluids cannot 
be properly prepared, nor the solids rendered strong or firm. The 
action of the heart, the motion of the lungs, and all the vital func¬ 
tions are greatly assisted by exercise. But to point out the manner 
in which these effects are produced, would lead us further into the 
oeconomy of the human body, than most of those for whom this trea¬ 
tise is intended would be abkfto follow. We shall therefore only 
add, that, when exercise is neglected, none of the animal functions 
can be duly performed; and when that is the case, the whole con¬ 
stitution must go to wreck. 

A good constitution ought certainly to be our first object in the 
management of children. It lays a foundation for their being use¬ 
ful and happy in life: and whoever neglects it, not only fails in his 
duty to his offspring, but to society. 

One very common error of parents, by which they hurt the con¬ 
stitutions of their children, is the sending them too voting to school. 
This is often done solely to prevent trouble. When the child is at 
school, he needs no keeper. Thus the schoolmaster is made the 
nurse; and the poor child is fixed to a seat seven or*eight hours tt 
day, which time ought to be spent in exercise and diversions. Sit¬ 
ting so long cannot fail to produce the worst effects upon the body; 
nor is the mind less injured. Early application weakens the facul¬ 
ties, and often fixes in the mind an aversion to books, which conti¬ 
nues for life*. 

Btit suppose this were the way to make children scholars, it cer¬ 
tainly ought not to be done at the expence of their constitutions. 
Our ancestors, who seldom went to school very young, were not 
less learned than we. But we imagine the boy's education will be 
quite marred, unless he.be carried to school in his nurse’s arms. No 
wonder if such hot-bed plants seldom become either scholars or men! 

* It is undoubtedly the duty of parents to inflruft their children, at leaf! 
till they are of an age proper to take fome care of themfelvcs. This would 
feud much to confirm the ties of parental tendernefs and filial affection, of 
$he want of which there are at prefent fo many deplorable inflances. Though 
few fathers have time to inflruct their children, yet moll mothers have; and 
iiirely they cannot be better employed. 


Not 


Not only the confinement of children in public schools, but their 
number, often proves hurtful. Children are much injured by being’ 
kept in crowds within doors; their breathing not only renders the 
place unwholesome, but if any one of them happens to be diseased, 
the rest catch the infec : ion. "A tingle child has been often known 
to communicate the bloody flux, the hooping cough, the itch, or 
other diseases, to almost every individual in a numerous school. 

But, if fashion must prevail, and infants are to be sent to school, 
we would recommend it to teachers, as they value the interests of 
society, not to confine them too long at a time, but allow them to 
run about and play at such active diversions as may promote their 
growth, and strengthen their constitutions. ‘Were boys, instead of 
being whipped for stealing an hour to run, ri.de, swim, or the like, 
encou-'aged to employ a proper part of their time in these manly 
and useful exercises, it would have many excellent effects. 

It would be of great service to boys, if, at a proper age, they 
were taught the military exercise. This would increase their 
strength, inspire them with courage, and when their country called 
for their assistance, would enable them to act in her defence, with¬ 
out being obliged to undergo a tedious and troublesome course of 
instructions, at a time when they are less fit to learn new motions, 
gestures, &c\* 


An effeminate education will infallibly spoil the best natural con¬ 
stitution; and if boys are brought up in a more delicate manner than 
even gil ls ought to be, they will never be men. 

Nor is. the common education of girls less hurtful to the constitu¬ 
tor! than I hat of boys. Miss is set down to her frame before she 
can put on her clothes; and is taught to believe, that to excel at the 
needle is the only thing that can entitle her to general esteem. It 
js unnecessary here to insist upon the dangerous consequences of 
obliging girls to sit too much. They are pretty well known, and 
are too often felt at a'certain time of life. But supposing this cri¬ 
tical period to be got over, greater dangers still await them when 
they come to be mothers*. Women who have been early accustom¬ 
ed to a sedentary life, generally run great hazard in child-bed ; 
while tho-e who have been u^e J to romp abqut, and take sufficient: 
exercise, are seldom in any danger. ' ■ 

One hardly mee*s v *th a girl who can at the same time boast of 


„ 1 r > ft*** vv * <x l uiuc LHJ&Si OI. 

early performances by the needle, and a good constitution. Close 
and early 'confinement generally occasions indigestions, head-achs, 
pale complexions, pa n of the stomach, loss of appetite, coughs* 
consumptions of the lungs, and deformity of body. The last of 
these indeed is not to be wondered at, considering the awkward 
postures in which girls it at many kinds of needle-work, and thev 
delicate flexible state of their bodies in the early periods of life. 

Would mothers, instead of having their daughters instructed in 
-many trifling accomplishments, employ them in plain work and 


* happy to find that the makers of academies now begin to put m 
practice this adv ; ce. Each of them ought to keep a drill fergeant for teach- 
ing the hoys the military exercife. This, betides contributing to their heaH» 

housewifery, 


, . r , , buting to their health 

and vigour ot body, would have many other happy cffefls. 


OF CHILDREN. 


17 


housewifery, and allow them sufficient exercise in the open air, they 
would both make them more healthy mothers, and more useful mem¬ 
bers of society. I am no enemy to genteel accomplishments, but 
would have them only considered as secondary, and always disre¬ 
garded when they impair health. 

Many people imagine it a great advantage for children to be ear¬ 
ly taught to earn their bread. This opinion is certainly right, pro¬ 
vided they were so employed as not to hurt their health or growth; 
but, when these sutler, society, instead of being benefited, is a real 
loser by their labour. There are few employments, except sedenta¬ 
ry ones, by which children can earn a livelihood; and if they be set 
to these too soon, it ruins their constitutions. Thus, by gaining a 
few years from childhood, we generally lose twice as many in the 
latter period of life, and even render the person less useful while he 
does live. 

In order to be satisfied of the truth of this observation, we need 
only look into the great manufacturing towns; where we shall find a 
puny degenerate race of people, weak arid sickly ail their lives, sel¬ 
dom exceeding the middle period of life; or if they do, being un¬ 
fit for business, they become a burden to satiety. Thus arts and 
manufactures, though they may increase the ricne ; of a country, are 
by no hieans favourable to the health of its inhabitants. Good poli¬ 
cy would therefore require, that such people as labour during iilei 
should not be set too early to work. Every person conversant in 
the breed of horses, ot other working animals, knows, that if they 
be set to hard iaboiir too soon, they never will turn out to advan¬ 
tage. This is equally true with respect to the human species. 

There are nevertheless various ways of employing young people, 
without hurting, their health: The easie* part of gardening! hus¬ 
bandry, or any business carried on wi.'icut doors, are most proper. 
These are employments which most young people are fond of, and 
some parts of them may always be adapted to their age, taste, and 
strength*. 

„ Such parents, however, as are under the necessity of employing 
their children within doors, ought to allow them sufficient time for 
active diversions without. This would both encourage them to do 
more work; and prevent their constitutions from being hurt. 

Some imagine, that exercise within doors is sufficient; but they 
are greatly mistaken. One hour spent in running, or any other ex¬ 
ercise without doors, is worth ten within. When children cannot 
go abroad, they may indeed be exercised at home. The best me¬ 
thod of doing this, is to make them run about in a large room, or 
dance. This last kind of exercise; if not carried to excess, is of 
excellent service to young people. It cheers the spirit'', promotes 
perspiration, strengthens the limbs, &c. I know an eminent phy¬ 
sician who used to say, that he made his children dance, instead of 
giving them physic. It were well if more people followed hh ex¬ 
ample. 

* I have been told that in China, where the police is the belt m the world; 
3.11 the children ar<$ employed in the eafier parr of gardening and huihandry; 
si breeding, gathering- fronts the li&d, 4hd furih likd. 



is 


OF C i I L D I E N. 

The cold bath may be considered as an aid to exercise. By 
it the body is braced and strengthened, the circulation and score- 
lions promoted, and, were it conducted with prudence, many dis¬ 
eases, as the rickets, serophula, &c. might thereby be prevented. 
The ancients, who took every method to render children hardy and 
robust, were no strangers to the use of the cold bath; and, if we 
may credit report, the practice of immersing children daily in cold 
water must have been very common among our ancestors. 

The greatest objection to the use of the cold bath arises from the 
superstitious prejudices of nurses. These are often so strong, that 
it is impossible to bring them to make a proper use of it. I have 
known ^ome of them who would not dry a child’s skin after bath¬ 
ing it, lest it should destroy the effect of the water. Others will 
even put clothes dipt in the water upon the child, and either put it 
to bed, or suffer it to go about in that condition. Some believe, that 
the whole virtue of the water depends upon its being dedicated to a 
particular saint; while others place their confidence in a certain 
number of dips, as three, seven, nine, or the like; and the world 
could not persuade them, if these do not succeed. To try it a little 
longer. Thus, by the w r hims of nurses, children lose the benefit 
of the cold bath, and the hopes of the physician from that medicine 
are often frustrated, ‘ 

We ought. not, however, entirely to set aside the cold bath, be¬ 
cause some btorses make a wrong use of it. Every child, when in 
health, should at least have its extremities daily veashed in cold wa¬ 
ter. . This is a partial use of the cold bath, and is better than none. 
In winter this may suffice; but, in the warm season, if a child be 
relaxed, or seem, to have a tendency to the rickets or serophula, its 
whole body ought to be frequently immersed in cold water. Care 
however must be taken not' to do this when the body is hot, or the 
stomach full. The child should be dipped only once at a time, 
should be taken out immediately, and have its skin well rubbed with 
a dry cloth. 


The bad Effects of unwholesome Air upon Children . 

Few things prove more destructive to children than confined oh 
unwholesome air. This, is one reason why so few of those infants 
Who are put into hospitals, or parish workhouses, live. These plat 
ces are generally crowded with old, sickly, and infirm people; by 
Whim means the air is rendered so extremely pernicious, that it 
becomes a poison to infants. 

Want of wholesome air is likewise destructive to many of the 
children born in great towns. There the poorer sort of inhabitants 
live m low, dirty, confined houses, to which the fresh air lias hardly 
any access. Though grown people, who are hardy and robust, may 
live m such situations, yet they generally prove fatal to their offspring 
few of whom arrive at. maturity, and those who do are weak and 
dHoimw:. As such people are not in a condition to carry their 
cundi cn aoroaci into the open air, we must lay our account witk 

losing 


A - w . , 

*. 0 smg the greater part of them. But the rich have not this ex¬ 
cuse. It is their business to see that their children be daily carried 
abroad, and that they be kept in the open air for a sufficient tune.. 
This will always succeed better if the mother goes along with 
"them. Servants are often negligent in these matters, and allow a 
«hild to sit or lie on the damp ground, uv-tead of leading or carry¬ 
ing it about. The mother surely needs air as well as herx\hikircii; 
and how can she be better employed than in attending them? 

A very bad custom prevails, ot making children sleep in small 
apartments, or crowding two or three beds into one chamber. In¬ 
stead of this, the nursery ought always to be the largest and best aired 
room in the house. When phildren are con tied in small apartments, 
the air not only becomes unwholesome, but the heat relaxes their 
solids, renders thepi delicate, and disposes them to colds and many 
other disorders. Nor is the custom of wrapping them up too clo.se 
in cradles less pernicious. One would think that nurses were afraid 
lest children should suffer by breathing free air, as many of them 
actually cover the child’s face while asleep, and others wrap a co¬ 
vering over the whole cradle, by which means the child is forced to 
breathe the same air over and over all the time it sleeps’. Cradles 
indeed are on many accounts hurtful to children, and it would be 
tetter if the use of them were totally laid aside*. 


A child is generally laid to sleep with all its clothes on; and if a 
number of others are heaped above them, it must be over heated; bv 
which means it cannot fail to catch cold on being taken out of the 
cradle, and exposed to the open air with only its usual cloathing, 
which is too frequently the case. . „ 

Children who are kept within dodrs all day, and sleep all night 
in warm close apartments, may, with great propriety, be compmed 
to plants, nursed in a hot-house, instead of the open air. Though 
such plants may by this means be kept alive for some time, they 
will never arrive at that degree of strength, vigour, and magnitude, 
which they Would have acquired in the .-open air, nor would they 
be abie to bear it afterwards, should they be exposed to it. 

Children brought up in the country, who have £een accustomed 
to open air, should not be too, early sent to great towns, where it is 
Confined and unwholesome. This is frequently done with a view 
to forward their education, but proves very hurt f ill, to their health. 
All schools and seminaries of learning ought, if possible, to bo so 


* It is amazing how children efcape fuffocation, conquering the manren 
in which they are often roiled up in flannels, &.c. I lately attended an infant, 
whom I found muffled up over head and ears in many folds of flannel, 
though it was in the middle of .June. I begged for a little free air to the 
poor babe; but though this indulgence was granted during rey hay, I found 
ft always on my return in the fame fituation. Death, as might be expc&cd, 
Coon freed the infant From ail its mi (cries: but it was not in my power to nec, 
the minds of itu* parents from tlrole prejudices winch proved fatal to the-ii* 

child. ; 

I was very lately called to fee an infant which was faid to be expiring in 
cbnvulfioh fits. I defired the mother to drip the child; and wrap it in a lode 
covering. It had ao more cunvullion tits. 

F situated 



20 


OF CHILDREN. 

situated as to have fresh, dry, wholesome air, and should -never oe 
too much crowded. 

Without entering into a detail of the particular advantages of 
wholesome air to children, or ot the bad consequences which pro¬ 
ceed from the want of it, I shall only observe, that of several thou¬ 
sands of children which have been under my care, I do not remem¬ 
ber one instance of a single child who continued healthy in a close 
confined situation; but have often known the most obstinate dis¬ 
eases cured by removing them from such a situation to an open free 
air. 


i)f Nurses . 


Tt is not here intended to lay down rules for the choice of nurses. 
This would be wasting time. Common sense will direct every one 
to chuse a woman who is healthy, and has plenty of milk*. If she 
be at the same time cleanly, careful, and good-natured, she can hard¬ 
ly fail to make a proper nurse. After all, however, the only certain 
proof of a good nurse, is a healthy child upon her breast. But, as 
the misconduct of nurses often proves fatal to children, it will be of 
importance to point out a few of their most baneful errors, in order 
to rouse the attention ot parentsfand to make them look more strictly 
into the conduct of those to whom they commit the care of their in¬ 
fant offspring. 

■ Though it admits of some exceptions, yet we may lay it down as 
a general rule. That every woman who nurse* for hire should be care-, 
fully looked after, otherwise she will not do her duty. For this reason 
parents ought always to have their children nursed under their own 
eye, if possible; and where this cannot be done, they should be ex¬ 
tremely circumspect in the choice of those persons to whom they 
intrust them. It is folly to imagine that any woman, who abandons 
her own child to suckle another for the sake of gain, should feel all 
the affections of a parent towards her nursling; yet so necessary 
arc the affections in a nurse, that, but for them, the human race 
would soon be extinct. 

One of the most common faults of those who nurse for hire, -is 
losing children with stupefactives, or such things as lull them 


GO 

a 

e 


2s,eep. An indolent nurse, who does not give a child sufficient ex- 
srei ;c in the open air to make it sleep, and does not chuse to be dis¬ 
til ibed by it in the nignt,.wiil seldom fail to procure for it a dose of 
laudanum, diaecdium, saffron, or what answers the same purpose, a 
dose of spirits, or other strong liquors. These, though they be cer¬ 
tain poison to infants, aie ev ery day administered by many who 
bear the character of very good nursesf. 

A nurse who has not milk enough is apt to imagine that this de- 
feet jnay be supplied by giving the child wines, cordial waters, or 

7 W ? f yj toewn people fo irapofed upon, as to give an infant to a 
-t.vle .0 be hickled who n?d not one djrop of milk in her breaft 
J U a mother on vinting her child a- nurfe finds \t always afleep I would 
aavue her to remove it immediately; othenvife it will foon deep its laft. . 

other 


Tt 


OF CHILDRE N. 


O 1 


crthsr strong liquors. This is an egregious mistake. The only thing 
that has any chance to supply the place of the nurse's milk, must 
be somewhat nearly of the same quality, as cow’s milk, ass’s milk, 
or beef tea, with a little bread. It never can be done by the help 
of' strong liquors. These, instead of nourishing an infant, never 
fail to produce the contrary effect. 

Children are often hurt by nurses suffering them to cry long and 
vehemently. This strains their tender bodies, and frequently oc¬ 
casions ruptures, inflammations of the throat, lungs, &c. A child 
never continues to cry long without some cause, which might al¬ 
ways be discovered by proper attention; and the nurse who can 
h'ear an infant cry till it has almost spent itself without endeavour¬ 
ing to please it, must be cruel indeed, and is unworthy to be intrust¬ 
ed with the care, of an human creature. 

Nurses who deal much in medicine are always to be,suspected. 
They trust to it, , and neglect their duty. I never knew- a good 
nurse who had her Godfrey’s cordial. Daffy’s elixirs, Dalby’s car¬ 
minative, See. at hand. Such generally imagine, that a dose of me¬ 
dicine will make up for all defects in food, air, exercise, and clean¬ 
liness. By errors of this kind, I will venture,to say, that one half 
the children who die annually in London lose .their lives. 

Allowing children to continue long wet, is another very perni¬ 
cious custom of indolent nurses. Tills is not only disagreeable, 
but galls and frets the infant, and, by relaxing the solids, occasions 
scrophulas, rickets, and other diseases, A dirty nurse is always to 
be suspected. 

Nature often attempts to- free the bodies of children from bad 
humours, by throwing them upon’the skin: by this means fevers and 
other diseases are prevented. Nurses are apt to mistake such criti- . 
cal eruptions for an itch, or- some other infectious disorder. Ac¬ 
cordingly they take every method to drive them in. In this way 
many children lose their lives; and no wonder, as Nature is oppos¬ 
ed in the very method she takes to relieve them. It ought to be a 
rule, which every nurse should observe, never to.stop any eruption 
without proper advice, or being well assured that it is not of a cri¬ 
tical nature. At any rate, it is never to be done without previous 
evacuations. 

Loose stools is another method by which Nature often prevents 
or carries off the dieases of infants. If these proceed too far, no 
doubt they ought to be checked; but this is never to be done with-- 
out the greatest caution. Nurses, upon the first appearance of 
loose stools, frequently fly to the use of astringents, or such things 
as bind the body. Hence inflammatory fevers, and other fatal dis¬ 
eases, are occasioned. A dose of.rhubarb, a gentle vomit, cr some 
other evacuations, should always precede the use of astringent me¬ 
dicines. 

One of the greatest faults of nurses is, concealing the diseases of 
children from their parents. This they are extremely ready to do, 
especially when the disease is the effect of their own negligence. 
Many instances- might be given of persons who have been rendered 


line for life by a fall from their nurse’s arms, which she, thiougii 

fear. 




C3 Of the LABORIOUS, the SEDENTARY, 

f?ar, concealed till the misfortune was past cure. Every parent 
v/ho intrusts a nurse with the care of a child, ought to give her th^ 
strictest charge not to conceal the most trifling disorder or misfor¬ 
tune that may befa.l it. . c 

We can see no reason why a nurse, who conceals any mistor- 
tune which happens to a child under her care, till it loses its life or 
Ijmb, should not be punished. A few examples of this would save 
the lives of many infants; but as there is little reason to exjpect 
that it ever will be the case, vye would.earnestly recommend it to 
ail parents to look, carefully after their children, and not to trust so 
valuable a treasure entirely in the hands of an hireling. 

No person ought to imagine these things unworthy of his atten¬ 
tion. On the proner management of children depend not only their 
health and usefulness in life, but likewise the safety and prosperity 
of the state to which they belong. Effeminacy ever will prove 
the rum of any state where it prevails; and, when its foundations 
are laid in infancy, it can never afterwards be wholly eradicated, 
Parents who io\*e their offspring, and wish well to their country , 
o'light therefore, in the management of their children, to avoid eve- 
ly thing that may have a tendency-to make them weak or effemi¬ 
nate, and to take* every method in their power to render their Cpij- 
ititutions strong and hardy. 

-By arts like thefe 

Laconia nurs’d of old her h mly Tons ; 

And Rome’s unconquer’d legions urg’d their way, 

Unhurt, thro’ every toil in every clime*. " ' 

*---— --———— --- 

C II A P. II. 

Of the LABORIOUS, the SEDENTAY, and the 

STUDIOUS. 

T HAT men are exposed to particular diseases from the occupa¬ 
tions which they follow, is a fact well known ; but to remedy 
this evil is a matter of some difficulty. Most people are under the 
necessity of following those employments to which they have been 
bred, whether they be favourable to health or not. For this reason/ 
instead of inveighing, in a general way, as some authors have done, 
againvt those occupations which are hurtful to health, we shall en¬ 
deavour to point out the circumstances in each of them from which 
flic danger chiefly arises, and to propose the most rational methods 
of preventing it. 

Chymists, founders, forgers, glass-makers and several other artists, 
are hurt by the unwholesome air which they are obliged to breathe/ 
This air i ; not only loaded with the noxious exhalations arising from 
metais and minerals, but is, so charged with phlogiston as to be ren¬ 
dered 

T* a 


* Armflrong. 




AND THE STUDIOUS. 



tiered unfit for expanding the lungs sufficiently, and answering the. 
«ther important purposes of respiration. Hence proceed asthmas, 
coughs, and consumptions of the lungs, so incident to persons wh©.. 
follow these employments. 

To prevent such consequences, as far as possible, the places 
vyhere these occupations are carried on, ought to be constructed in 
such a manner as to discharge the smoke and other exhalations, and 
admit a free current of fresh air. Such artists ought never to qonti- 
Jiue too long at work ; and when they give over, they should suffer 
themselves to cool gradually, and put on their clothes before they go 
into the open air. They ought never to drink large quantities of. 
cold, weak, or watery liquors, while their bodies are hot, nor to in- 
in raw fruits, sallads, or uny thing that is cold on the sto- 

srs, and all who work underground, are likewise hurt by un¬ 
wholesome air. The air, by its stagnation in deep mines,not only loses 
Its proper spring and other qualities necessary for respiration, but is 
often loaded with such noxious exhalations as to become a most dead¬ 
ly poison. 

The two kinds of air which prove most destructive to miners, are. 
what they call ihe/a-e damp, and the choke damp. Jn both cases the 
air becomes a poison by its being loaded with phlogiston. The danger 
from the former may be .obviated by making it explode before it ac¬ 
cumulates in too great quantities; and the latter may be generally- 
carried off by promoting a free circulation of air in the mine. 

Miners are not only hurt by unwholesome air, but likewise by the 
particles of metal which adhere to their skin, clothes, Ike. These 
are absorbed, or taken up into the bpdy, and occasion palsies, ver¬ 
tigoes, and other nervous affections, which often prove fatal. Fal¬ 
lopius observes, that those who work in mines of mercury seldom 
live above three or four years. Lead, and several other metals, are 
likewise very pernicious to the health. 

Miners ought never to go to work fasting, nor to continue too 
Long at work. Their food ought to be nourishing, and their liquor 
generous: nothing more certamly hurts them than living too low.. 
They should by all means avoid costiveness. This may either be 
done by chewing a little rhubarb, or taking a sufficient quantity of 
sallad oil. Oil not only opens the body, but shea dies- and defends 
the intestines from the ill effects of the metals. All who work ’in 
mines or metals ought to wash carefully, and to change their clothes 
as soon as they give over working. Nothing would tend more to 
preserve the health of such people than a strict, and almost religi¬ 
ous regard to cleanliness. 

Plumbers, painters, gilders, smelters, makers of white lead, and 
many others who work in metals, are liable to the same diseases as 
miners; and ought to observe the same directions for avoiding them. 

Tallow-chandlers, boilers of oil, and all who work in putrid ani¬ 
mal substances, are likewise liable to suffer from the unwholesome 


ciuige 

rnach* 

Min 


* When perfons heated with labour have 
continue at work for foir.e time after. 


drank cold water, they ought to 

smells 



4 Of the LABORIOUS, the SEDENTARY, 

* ; ' x # 

smells or effluvia of these bodies. They ought to pay the same re¬ 
gard to cleanliness as miners; and when they are affected witit- 
nausea, sickness, orindigestion, we would advise them to take a vo¬ 
mit or gentle purge’. Such substances ought always to be manufac¬ 
tured as soon as possible. When long kept, they not only become 
unwholesome to those who manufacture them, but likewise to peo¬ 
ple who live in the neighbourhood. 

It would greatly exceed the limits of this part of our subject, t# 
specify the diseases peculiar to persons of every occupation; we shall*' 
therefore consider mankind under the general classes, of Laborious 
Sedentary, and Studious. 


The Laborious . 


Though those who follow laborious employments are in general* 
the most healthy of mankind, yet the nature of their occupations, 
and the places where they are carried on, expose them more parti¬ 
cularly to some diseases. Husbandmen, for example, are exposed 
to all the vicissitudes of the weather, which, in this country, are of¬ 
ten very great and sudden, and occasion colds, coughs, quinsies, 
rheumatisms, fevers, and other acute disorders. They are likewise 
forced to work hard, and often to carry burdens above their strength, 
which, by overstraining' the vessels, occasion asthmas, ruptures, 
pleurisies, &c. 

Those who labour without doors are often afflicted with inter¬ 
mitting fevers or agues, occasioned by the frequent vicissitudes of 
heat and cold, poor living, bad water, sitting or lying on the damp 
ground, evening dews, night air, &c. to which they are frequently 
exposed. 

Such as bear heavy burdens, as porters, labourers, &c. are obliged 
to draw in the air with much greater force, and also to keep their 
lungs distended with more violence than necessary for common res¬ 
piration: bv this means the tender vessels of the lungs are over¬ 
stretched, and often burst, insomuch that a spitting of blood or fe¬ 
ver ensues. Hippocrates mentions an instance to this purpose, of a 
man, who? upon a wager, carried an ass; but was soon after seized 
with a fever, a vomiting of blood, and a rupture. 

Carrying heavy burdens is gene ally the effect of mere laziness, 
which prompts people to do at once what should be done at twice! 
Sometimes it proceeds from vanity or emulation. Hence it is that 
the strongest men are most commonly hurt by heavy burdens/hard 
labour, or feats of activity. It is rare to find one who boasts of 
strength without a rupture, a spitting of blood, or some other dis¬ 
ease, which he reaps as the fruit of In's folly. One would imagine- 
the daily instances we have of tire fatal effects of carrying o Tea * 
weights, running, wrestling, and the like, would be sufficient J 
prevent such practices. 

There are ind<*erl snmr # mrJ.< 
great 
None 

«-> - —•* wvuy ; ; 

should. 



AND THE STUDIOUS. 


25 


”should never exert their strength to the utmost, nor work too long. 
When the muscles are violently strained, frequent rest is necessarv, 
in order that they may recover their tone; without this, the strength 
and constitution will soon be worn out, and a premature old age 
be induced. 

The erisipelas, or St. Anthony’s fire, is a disease very incident to 
the laborious. It is occasioned by whatever gives a sudden check 
to the perspiration, as drinking cold water when the body is warm, 
wet feet, keeping on wet clothes, sitting or lying on the damp 
ground, &c. It is impossible for those who labour without doors al¬ 
ways to guard against these inconveniences; but it is knowmfrom 
'experience, that their ill consequences might often be prevented by 
proper care. 

The iliac passion, the colic, and other complaints of the bowels, 
are often occasioned by the same causes as the erisipelas; but they 
may likewise proceed from flatulent and indigestible food. Labour¬ 
ers generally eat unfermented bread, made of peas, beans, rye, and 
other windy ingredients. They also devour great quantities of un¬ 
ripe fruits, baked, stewed, or raw, with various kinds of roots and 
herbs, upon which they often drink sour milk, stale small beer, or 
the like. Such a mixture cannot fail to fill the bowels with wind, 
and occasion diseases of those parts. 

Inflammations, whitloes, and other diseases of the extremities, 
are likewise common among those who labour without dodrs. These 
diseases are often attributed to venom, or some kind of poison: 
but they generally proceed either from sudden heat after cold, or 
the contrary. When labourers, milk-maids, &:c. come from the field, 
cold or wet, they run to the fire, and often plunge their hands in 
warm-water, by which means the blood and other humours in those 
'parts are suddenly expanded, and, the vessels not yielding so quick¬ 
ly, a strangulation happens, and an inflammation or a mortification 
ensues. 

When such persons come home cold, they ought to keep at a dis¬ 
tance from the fire for some time, to wash their hands in cold water, 
and rub them well with a dry cloth. It some times happens that 
people are so benumbed with cold, as to be quite deprived of the 
use of their limbs. In this case the only remedy is to rub the parts 
affected with snow, or where it cannot be had, with cold* water. 
If they be held near the fire, or plunged into Warm water, a morti¬ 
fication will generally ensue. 

Labourers in the hot season are apt to lie down afid deep in the 
sun. This practice is so dangerous, that they often awake in a burn¬ 
ing fever. These ardent fevers, which prove so fatal about the end 
«f the summer and beginning of autumn, are frequently occasioned 
by this means. When labourers leave off work, which they ought 
-always to do during the heat of the day, they should go home, or at 
least get under some cover where 'they may repose themselves in 
jafcty. 

Many people follow their employments in the fields from morn¬ 
ing till night, without eating any thing. This cannot % 1 to hur t 
thiMj; hoakk. However homely their fare be, they ought to have j L 





'*& Of the LABORIOUS, the SEDENTARY, 

at regular t’tnes; and the harder they work, the more frequently 
.they should eat. If the humours be not frequently replenished with 
fresh nourishment, (hey soon become putrid, and produce fevers of 
the very worst kind. . 

Many peasants are extremely careless with respect to what they 
<rat or drink, and often, through mere indolence, use unwholesome 
food, when they might, for the same expence, have that which is 
wholesome. In some parts of Britain, the peasants are too careless 
even to take the trouble of dressing their own victuals. Such peo¬ 
ple would live upon one meal a-day in indolence, rather than labour, 
though it Were to procure them the greatest affluence. , 

Fevers of a very bad kind are often occasioned among labourers 
by poor living. When the body is not sufficiently nourished, the hu¬ 
mours bcconle vitiated, and the solids weak; from whence the most 
fatal consequences ensue. Poor living is likewise productive of ma¬ 
ny of those cutaneous diseases so frequent among the lower class of 
people. It is remarkable that cattle, when pinched in their food, 
are generally affected with.diseases of the skin, which seldom fail 
to disappear when they are put upon a good pasture. This shews 
how much a good state of the humours depends upon a sufficient 
quantity iff proper nourishment.. 

Poverty not only occasions, but aggravates* many of the diseases 
01 the laborious. Few of them have much foresight; and, if they 
had, it is seldom in their power to save any thing. They are glacl 
to make a sTuft (o live from day to day ; and when any disease over¬ 
takes them, they are miserable indeed. Here the godlike virtue of 
charity ought always *to exert itself. To relieve the industrious 
poor in. d stress', is surely the most exalted act of religion and huma¬ 
nity^ They alone', who are witnesses of those scenes of calamity, 
can form a notion of what numbers perish in diseases, for want of 
proper assistance^ and even for Want of the necessaries of life. 

Labourers arc often hurt by a foolish emulation, which prompts 
them to vie with one another', till they overheat themselves to such 
& degree as to occasion a fever, or even to drop down dead. Such 
as wantonly throw a Way their lives in this manner, deserve to be 
looked upon in no better light than self murderers. 

, Tke office of a soldier, in time of war, may be ranked among the 
laborious employments. Soldiers suffer rhany hardships from the 
UK ;emency of seasons, long marches,' bad provisions, hunger, watch¬ 
ing, unwholesome climates, bad water, &c. These occasion fevers, 
fluxes, rheumatisms, and other fatal diseases, which generally do 
greater execution than the sword, especially when campaigns are 
continued too late in the season. A few weeks of cold rainy wea- 
fci' vvlif often prove more fatal than an engagement. 
r Those who have the command of armies should take care that 
ftieir soldiers be well c lothed and Well fed. They ought also to fi¬ 
nish their campaigns in due season, and to provide their men with 
dry and weii-aired winter quarters. These rules, taking care, at the 
t0 keep the sick at a proper distahee from these m health 
would tend greatly to preserve the lives of the soldiery*. * 


* L L indeed to be regretted, that ffildlers fuller not left f wro indolent 

\ 


A 

A 


ND THE STUDIOUS'.' 


■«o w 

X- 4 


sailors may also be numbered amors; the laborious. They under- 
>T° great hardships from charge of climate,, the violence of tr.e wea¬ 
ther, hard labour, bad provisions, '&c. Sai]< rs are of so gieat im¬ 
portance both to the trade and safety of this kingdom, that U'o 
much pams can never be bestowed in pointing out the means of pic- 
serving their lives. 

One great source of the diseases of sea-faring people is excess. 
\\ hen they get on shore, after having been long at sea, w ithont re¬ 
gard to the climate, or their oVvn constitutions, they plunge heaef- 
iong into all maimer oi riot, and often persist till a fcvei puts an end 
to their lives. Thus intemperance, and not the climate, is often the 
cause why so many of our brave sailors die on foreign coasts. Such 
people ought not to live too low; but they will find moderation the 
best defence against fevers and many other maladies. 

Sailers, when on duty, cannot avoid sometimes getting wet. When 
this happens, they should change their clothes as soon‘as they are re¬ 
lieved, and take every method to restore the perspiration. They 
.should not, in this cAse, make too free with spirits or other strong li¬ 
quors, but should rather drink them diluted with warm water, anti 
go immediately to bed, where a sound sleep and gentle sweat would 
set ail to rights. 

But the health of sailors suffers most from unwholesome food, 
The constant use of salted provisions vitiates their humours; and oc¬ 
casions the scurvy, avr.1 other obstinate maladies. It is no easy mat¬ 
ter to prevent this disease in long voyages; yet we cannot help 
thinking, that much might be done towards effecting so desirable uii 
end, were due pains bestowed for that purpose. For example, ca¬ 
rious roots, greens, and fruits, might be kept a long time at sea, as 
onions, potatoes, cabbages; lemons, oranges, tamarinds, apples, &rc. 
When fruits cannot be kept, the juices of them; either fresh or fer¬ 
mented, may. With these all the chink, and even the food of the 
ship's company, ought to be acidulated in long voyages. 

Stale bread and beer likewise contribute to vitiate the humours. 
Flour will keep for a long time on board, of which fresh bread 
‘'might frequently be made. JSia.lt. too might, be kept, and infused 
with boiling water‘at any time. This liquor, when drank even in 

arid inte'mperance in time of peace, than frrm hard (trips in time of war. 
If men are idle they vvill be vicious. It would therefore be of great impor¬ 
tance, could a fcheme be formed for rendering- the military, in times of 
yeace, both more healthy and more ufefdL Thefe defn&lile objects might, in 
our opinion, bo obtained, by employing them for fofne hours every; day, and 
advancing th<dr pay accordingly. By this means, iulenets, the mother of 
vice, might be prevented, the price of labour lowered, public works, as har¬ 
bours, canals, turnpike roads, &x. might be made vi’.iwut hurting manufac¬ 
tures; and folditrs 'might be enabled to marry and bring Up children. A 
f'cheme of this kind might cavil y be conduced, fo as not to deprefs the mar¬ 
tial (pint, provided the men were er.Jy to work four or fve hours every day, 
and always to work without doers: no ibldiers fliouid be fullered to war. 1 ; 
too long, or to fallow any iVaent'ary employment. Sedentary employmer d 
render men weak and effeminate, quite unlit far the bared,ips of v.art 
Whereas working- for a few hours every day viihcnt doers, v/oihl m ure 
them to the weather, trace their nerves, and h.u&afc ihtiv jlrengih at«4 
courage. 


G 





*28 


Of the LABORIOUS, the SEDEiS I ARY. 


form of wort, is veryywbolesome, and is found to be an antidote 
against the scurvy. 'Small wines asd cyder might likewise be pl^- 
t if ally laid in; and should they turn sour, they would still be useful 
as vinegar. Vinegar is a great antidote against diseases, and should 
ix: used by all travellers, especially at sea. It may either be mixed 
with the water they drink, or taken in their food. 

Such animals as can be kept alive, ought likewise to be carried 
on board, as hens, ducks, pigs, &c. Fresh broths made of porta¬ 
ble soup, and puddings made of peas or other vegetables, ought to 
be used plentifully. Mdny other things wiil readily occur to peo¬ 
ple conversant in these matters, which would tend to preserve the 
health of that brave and useful set of men*. 

We have reason to believe, if due attention were paid to the di¬ 
et, air, cloathing, and above all things to' the cleanliness of sea-far¬ 
ing people, they would be the most healthy set of men in the world; 
bid when these are neglected, the very reverse will happen. 

The 'best medical antidole that we can recommend to sailors or sol¬ 
diers on foreign coasts, especially where dampness prevails, is the 
Peruvian bark. This will often prevent fevers, and other fatal dis¬ 
eases. About a drachm of it may be chewed every day; or if this 
should prove disagreeable, an ounce of bark, with half an ounce of 
orange peel, and two drachms of snake-root coarsely powdered, 
may be infused for two or three days in an English quart of brandy, 
and half a wine glass of it taken twice or ’juice a day, when thb 
stomach is empty. ' This lias been found to be an excellent antidote 
against fluxes, putrid, intermitting, aim other fevers, in unhealthy 
climates. It is not material in what form this medicine is taken. 
It may either be infused in water, wine, or spirits, as recommended 
above, or 'made into an electuary with syrups of lemons, oranges, 
or the like. 

The Sedentary* 

Though nothing can be more contrary to the nature of man than 
a sedentary life, yet this class comprehends by far the greater part 
of the species. Almost the whole female world, and in manufac¬ 
turing countries, the major part of the males, may be reckoned 
Sedcntaryf. 

* Our countryman, the celebrated Captain Cook, has fhewn liow ‘far, by- 
proper care and attention, the diieafes formerly fo fatal‘to Teamen may be 
prevented. In a voyage of tj-iree upars and eighteen days, during which he 
was exp .fed to every climate, fr m the 52° north to the 71° of fouth lati¬ 
tude, of one -hundred and eighteen men, compofing the {hip’s company, he 
loft only one, who died of a ph i hisis pulmon alis. The principal means 
he ufed weie, to preferve a drift a tenthw to. deanlinefs, to procure abu.* 
-dance T vegetable and frefti proviiioas, especially good water, and to allow 
his people finflciem time lor eft.. 

f The appellation of ledentwy has generally been given only to the ftudi- 
ous; we can iee no reafnn. ho «vever, for reftriding it to them alone. Many 
arvheers r-.\y, with as much propriety, be denominated ledentary as the 
Ihxiious, v ■ 1 thy panic., ar aifadvantage, that they are often obliged to fie 
>n veft av. i.vv aid pcl.uics, which 1 he ftudious need not do, unlefs they pleafe 

Agriculture 




AND THE STUDIOUS. 


29 


Agriculture, the first and most healthful of all employments, is 
Slow followed by few who are able to carry on any oilier business. 
But those who imagine that the culture of the earth is nof sufficient 
to employ all its inhabitants, are greatly mistaken. An ancient Ro r 
man, we are told, could maintain his family from the produce of 
one acre of ground. So might a modern Briton, if he. would be 
contented to live like a Roman. This shews what an immense in¬ 
crease of inhabitants Britain might admit of, and all of them live 
by the culture of the ground. 

Agriculture is the great source of domestic riches. Where it :> 
neglected, whatever wealth may be imported from abroad, poverty 
and misery will abound at home. Such is, and ever will be, the 
fluctuating state of trade and manufactures, that thousands of peo¬ 
ple may be in full employment to-day and in beggary to-morrow. 
This can never happen to those who cultivate the ground. They 
can eat the fruit of their labour, and can always by industry obtain, 
at least, the necessaries of life. 

Though sedentary employments are necessary, yet there seems to 
be no reason w T hy any person should be confined for life to these 
alone. Were such employments intermixed with the more active 
and laborious, they would never do hurt. It is constant confine¬ 
ment that ruins the health. A man may not be hurt by sitting five 
or six hours a-day; but if he is obliged to sit ten or twelve, lie will 
soon become diseased. 

But it is not want of exercise alone which hurts, sedentary peo¬ 
ple; they likewise .su/Ter from the confined air which they breathe. 
It is very common to see ten or a dozen tavlors*, or stay makers, for 
example, crowded into one small apartment, where, there is hardly 
room for one person to breathe freely. In this situation they gene¬ 
rally couitinue for many hours at a time, often with the addition of 
several candles, which tend likewise to waste the air, and render 
it less fit for respiration. Air that is breathed repeatedly becomes 
unfit for expanding the lungs. Tins is one can e of the phllv>i . 
coughs, and other complaints of the breast, so incident to sedenta¬ 
ry artificers. 

Even the perspiration from a,great number <\f persons pent up 
together, renders the air unwholesome. r i he danger from (his cjuar- 
'ter will be greatly encreased, if any or.e of them happens to Inwe 
bad lungs, or to be otherwise diseased. Those who sit near him, 
being forced to breathe the-same air, can hardly fail to be infecU J. 
It would be a rare thing, however, to find a dozen of sedentary 
people all in good health. The danger orcrowding them together 
must therefore be evident to every one. 


* A per fori of cbfervation in that line of fife told me, that moft tayjors 
die of confumptions ; which he attributed chiefly to the unfavourable pnf- 
tiires in which they fit, and the umvholefomenefs of thofe places where their 
bufinefs is Carried' on. If more attention was not paid to profit than to the 
prefervation of human lives, this evil might be eafdy remedied; but while 
matters only mind their own intereft, nothing will be done for the iafety ct 
their fervants. 

my 


H T. 

±i XLXi 


:$0 G.r tint LABORIOUS, the SEDE2JTARY, 


Many of-those who follow sedentary employments are constantly 
jn a bending posture, as shoemakers, tayiors, cutlers, 8^c. Such ^ 
situation is extremely hurtful. A bending posture obstructs all the 
vita! motions, and of course must destroy the health. Accordingly 
we find such artificers generally complaining ot indigestions, flatu* 
fences, head-aths, pains of tire breast, &c. 

The aliment in sedentary people^ instead of being pushed for*, 
wards by an erect posture, and the action of the muscles, is in a 
manner confined in the bowels. Hence indigestion, costiveness, 
wind, and other hypochondriacal affections, the constant compa¬ 
nions of the sedentary. Indeed none ot the excretions can be duly 
performed where exercise is wanting; and when the matter which 
ought to be discharged in this way is retained too long in the body, 
ii must have bad effects, as it is again taken up into the mass of hu¬ 
mours. 

A bending posture is likewise hurtful to the lungs. When this 
organ is compressed, the air cannot have free access into all its 
parts, so as to expand them properly. Hence tubercles, adhesions, 
&c. are formed, which often end in consumptions. Besides, the 
proper action of the lungs being absolutely necessary for making 
good blood, whep the organ fails, the humours soon become univer¬ 
sally depraved, and the whole constitution goes to wreck. 

Sedentary artificers are not only hurt by pressure on the bowels, 
but also on the inferior extremities, which obstructs the circulation 
in these parts, and renders them weak and feeble. Thus t ay tors, 
shoemakers, &c. frequently lose the use of their legs altogether: 
be dde.g the blood and humours sre, by stagnation, vitiated, and the 
perspiration is obstructed; from whence proceed the scab, ulce¬ 
rous sores, foul blotches, and other cutaneous diseases so common 
among sedentary artificers. 

A bad figure of body is a very common consequence of close ap¬ 
plication to sedentary employments. The spine, for example, by be¬ 
ing continually bent, puts on a crooked shape, and generally remains 
so ever after. But a bad figure of body has already been observed 
to be hurtful to health, as the vital functions are thereby impeded. 

A sedentary life seldom fails to occasion an universal relaxation 
of the solids. 1 his. is the great * ource from whence most of the 
diseases of sedentary people flow. The sc.ophula, consumption, 
hysterics, aijcl nervous diseases now so common, were very little 
known in this country before sedentary artificers became so nume¬ 
rous ; and ttey are very little known still among such of our people 
as follow active employments without doors, though in great towns 
at least two thirds of the inhabitants are afflicted with them. 

It is very difficult to remedy those evils, because many who have 
been accustomed to a sedentary life, like ricketty children, lose all 
inclination for exercise; we shall, however, throw out a few hints 
vth respect to the most likely means for preserving the health of 
tins useful set of people, which some of them, we hope, will be 
wise enough to take. 


it has bycn uiieady obsetved, that seo.cnfarv artificers are often 
huit by their ben a mg posture. They ought therefore to stand or, 


sit 


n 


AND THE STUDIOUS. 

as erect as the nature of their employments will permit. They 
should likewise change their posture frequently, and should never 
sit too long at a time, but leave off work, and walk, ride, run, or do 
any thing that will promote the vital functions. 

Sedentary artificers are generally allowed too little time for ex¬ 
ercise ; yet «ho.t as it is, they seldom employ it properly. A jour¬ 
neyman taylor or weaver, for example, instead of walking abroad 
for exercise and fresh air, at his hours of leisure, chuses" often to 
spend them in a public-house, or in playing at some sedentary game, 
by which he generally loses both his time and his money. 

The awkward postures in which many sedentary artificers work, 
seem rather to be the effect of custom than necessity. For exam-, 
pie, a table might surely he contrived for ten or a dozen taylors to 
sit round with liberty for their legs either to hang down, or rest up¬ 
on a foot-board, as they should chuse> A place might likewise be 
cut out for each person, in such a manner that he might sit as con¬ 
veniently for working as in the present mode of sitting cross-leg¬ 
ged. 

All sedentary artificers ought to pay the most religious regard to 
cleanliness. Both their situation and occupations render this high¬ 
ly necessary. Nothing would contribute meye to preserve their 
health, than a strict attention to it:, and such of them as neglect 
it, not only run the hazard of losing health, but of becoming a nu- 
sance to their neighbours. 

Sedentary people ought to avoid food that is windy or hard of 
digestion, and should pay the strictest regard to sobriety. A person 
who works hard without doors will soon throw off a debauch ; but 
one who sits has by no means an equal chance. Hence it often hap¬ 
pens, that sedentary people are seized with fevers after.hard drink¬ 
ing. When such persons feel their spirits low, instead of running 
to the tavern for relief, they should ride or walk in the field. This 
would remove the complaint more effectually than strong liquor, 
and would never hurt the constitution. 

Instead of multiplying rules for preserving the health of the se¬ 
dentary, we shall recommend to them the following general plan, 
v iz. That every person who follows a sedentary employment should 
cultivate a piece of ground wdth his own hands. This he might 
dig, plant, sow, and weed at leisure hours, so as to make it both an 
exercise and amusement, while it produced many of the necessaries 
of life. After working an hour in a garden, a man will return 
with more keenness to his employment within doors, than if he had 
been all the while idle. 

Labouring the ground is every way conducive to health. It not 
only gives exercise to every part of the body, but the very smell of 
the ecvtb and fresh herbs revives and cheers the spirits, whilst tlw 
perpetual prospect of something coming to maturity, delights and 
entertains the mind. We are so formed as to be always pleased 
•with somewhat in prospect, however distant or however trivial, 
Hence the happiness that most men feel in planting, sowing, build* 
big, &c. These seem to have been the chief employments of tin 
more early ages: and, when kings and conquerors cultivated the 

ground, 


S-2 Of the LABORIOUS, the SEDENTARY, 


ground, there is reason to believe that they knew a* vrell wherein, 
true happiness consisted as we do. 

It may seem romantic to recommend gardening to manufacturers 
>n great towns; but observation proves that the plan is very practi¬ 
cable. In the town of Sheffield, in Yorkshire, where the great iron 
manufacture is carried on, there is hardly a journeyman cutler who 
does not possess a piece of ground, which he cultivates as a garden. 
This practice has many salutary effects. It not only induces these 
people to take exercise without doors, but also to eat many greens, 
roots, &c. of their own growth, which they would never think of 
purchasing. There can be no reason why manufacturers in any other 
town in Great-Britain should not follow the same plan. It is in¬ 
deed to be regretted, that in such a place as London a plan of this 
kind is not practicable: yet even there, sedentary artificers may find 
opportunities of taking air and exercise, if they chuse to embrace 
them. 

Mechanics arq too much inclined to crowd into great towns. 
The situation may have some advantages; but it has likewise many 
disadvantages. All mechanics who live in the country have it in 
their power to cultivate a piece of ground; which indeed most of 
them do. This not only gives them exercise, but enables them to 
live more comfortably. So far at least as my observation extends, 
mechanics who live in the country are far more happy than those in 
great towns. They enjoy better health, live in greater affluence, 
and seldom fail to rear a healthy and numerous offspring. 

In a word, exercise without doors, in one shape or another, is ab T 
polutely necessary to health. Those who neglect it, though they 
may for a while drag out life, can hardly be said to enjoy it. Weak 
and effeminate, they languish for a few years, and soon drop into 
untimely grave. 


The Studious * 


Intense thinking is so destructive to health, that few instances 
can be produced of studious persons who are strong and healthy. 
Hard study always implies a sedentary life; and when intense 
thinking is joined to the want of exercise, the consequences must 
be had. We have frequently known even a few months of close 
application to study ruin an excellent constitution, by inducing a 
train of nervous complaints, which could never be removed. Man 
is evidently not formed for continual thought more than for perpe¬ 
tual action, and would be as soon worn out by the one as the other. 

So great is the power of the mind over the body, that, by its in¬ 
fluence, the whole vital motions may be accelerated or retarded, to 
almost qjiy degree. Thus cheerfulness and mirth quicken the circu¬ 
lation, and promote all (he secretions; whereas sadness and profound 
thought never fail to retard them. ^ Hence it would appear, that 
even a degree of thoughtlessness necessary to health. Indeed 



, genera 


r spirits; while 
generally enjoys 
Perpetual" 




AND THE 


STUDIOUS. 



Perpetual thinkers, as they are called, seldom think long. In a 
few years they generally become quite stupid, and exhibit a melarA 
eholy proof how readily the greatest blessings may be abused. 
Thinking* like every thing else, when carried to extreme, becomes 
a vice; nor can any thing afford a greater proof of wisdom, than 
fora man frequently and seasonably to unbend his mind. This may 
generally be done by mixing in cheerful company, active diversions, 
or the like. 

Instead of attempting to investigate the nature of that connec¬ 
tion which subsists between the mind and body, or to inquire into the 
manner in which they mutually affect each other, we shall only men¬ 
tion those diseases to which the learned are more peculiarly liable; 
and endeavour to point-out the means of avoiding them. 

Studious persons are very subject to the gout. This painful dis¬ 
ease in a great measure proceeds from indigestion, and an obstruct¬ 
ed perspiration. It is impossible that the man who sits from morn¬ 
ing till night should either digest his food, or have any of the secre¬ 
tions in due quantity. But when that matter which should be 
thrown off by the skin, is retained in the body, and the humours are 
not duly prepared, diseases must ensue. 

• The studioifs are likewise very liable to the stone and gravel. 
Exercise gteatly promotes both the secretion and discharge of urine; 
consequently a sedentary life must have the contrary effect. Any 
one may be satisfied of this by observ ing, that he passes much more 
urine by day than in the night, and also when he walks or rides, 
than when he sits. 

The circulation in the liver being slow, obstructions in that or¬ 
igan can hardly fail to be the consequence of inactivity. Hence se¬ 
dentary people are frequently afflicted with schjrrous livers. But 
the p/oper secretion and discharge of Jhe bile is so necessary a part 
of the animal ceconomy, that where these are not duly performed, 
the health must soon be impaired. Jaundice, indigestion, loss of 
appetite> and a wasting of the whole body, seldom fail to be the 
consequences of a vitiated state of the liver or obstructions of the 
bile. 

Few diseases prove more fatal to the studious than consumptions 
of the lungs. It has already been observed, that this organ cannot 
be duly expanded in those who-do not take proper exercise; and 
where this is the case, cbstfiic; ions and adhesions will ensue. Not 


only want of exercise, but the posture in which studious persons ge¬ 
nerally sit, is Very hurtful to the lungs. Those w ho read or write muc h 
are ready to contract a habit of bending forwards, and often press 
with their breast upon a table or bench, This posture cannot fail 


, U rior ’ 
o 


to hurt the 

The functions of the heart may likewise by this means Be injur¬ 
ed. I remember to hoc seen a man opened, 'whose pericardium 
-adhered to the breast-tone in such a manner ; to obstruct the mo¬ 
tion of the heart, and occasion his’dcath. Th only probable cause 
that could be assign for this singular symptom was, that the man, 
whose business vv 'writing, used constantly to sit in a bonding pos¬ 
ture, wii.ii bis breast pressing upon the edge of a pbia table. 

No 


54 Of tiie LABORIOUS, the SEDENTARY, 

No person can enjoy health who does not properly digest hl$ 
food. But intense thinking and inactivity never fail to weaken the 
powers of digestion. Hence the humours become crude and viti¬ 
ated, the solids weak and relaxed, and the whole constitution goes 
to ruin. 

Long and intense thinking often occasions grievous head-achs, 
which bring on vertigoes, apoplexies, palsies, and other fatal dis¬ 
orders. The test way to prevent these is, never to study too long 
at one time, and to keep the body regular, either by proper food, or 
taking frequently a little of some opening medicine. 

Those who read or write much are often afflicted with sore eyes. 
Studying by candle-light is peculiarly hurtful to the sight. This 
ought to be practised as seldom as possible. When it is unavoida¬ 
ble, the eyes should be shaded, and the head should not be held too 
»mv. Wlien tire eyes are weak or painful, they should be bathed 
every night and morning in cool water, to which a little brandy may 
be added. . 

It has already been observed, that the excretions a e very defec¬ 
tive in the studious. The dropsy is often cccasione4 by the reten¬ 
tion of those humours which ought to be carried off in this way. 
Any person may observe, that sitting makes his legs -swell, and that 
thK goes oil by exercise; which clearly points out the method of 
prevention. 

Fevers, especially of the nervous kind, are often the effect of stu¬ 
dy. Nothing affects the nerves so much as intense thought. It in 
a manner unhinges the whole human frame, and not only hurts the 
vital motions, but disorders the mind itself. Hence a delirium, me¬ 
lancholy, and even madness, are often the effect of close applica¬ 
tion to study. In fine, there is no disease which can proceed either 
from a. bad state, of the humours, a defect of the usual secretions, or 
a debility of the nerVoUs system, which may not be induced by in¬ 
tense thinking. 

But the most afflicting of all the diseases which attack the studi¬ 
ous is the hypochondriac. This disease seldom fails to be the com¬ 
panion of deep thought. It may rather be called a complication of 
.maladies than a single one. To what a wretched condition are the 
test of men often reduced by it! Their strength and appetite fail; 
a perpetual gloom hangs over their minds; they live in the con¬ 
stant dread of death, and are continually m search of relief from 
medicine. Where, alas ! it is not to be found. Those who labour 
under this disorder, though they are often made the subject of ridi¬ 
cule, justly claim our highest sympathy and compassion. 

Hardly any thing can be more preposterous than for a person to 
make study hisyole business. A mere student is seldom an useful 
member of society. He often neglects the most important duties of 
hie, in order to pursue studies of a very trifling nature. Indeed it 
rarely happens, tnat any useful invention is the effect of mere stu¬ 
dy. 1 he farther men dive into profound researches, they generally 
oeviate the more from common sense, and too often lose sm-ht of it 
altogether. Profound speculations, instead of making men wiser 
or better, generally render them absolute sceptics, and overwhelm 

them 


AND THE STUDIOUS. 


35 


them with doubt and uncertainty. ,A11 that is necessary for a man 
to know, in order.to be happy, is easily obtained; and the rest, like 
the foi bidden fruit, serves only to ehcrease his misery. 

Studious persons, in order to relieve their minds, must not bnly 
discontinue to read and .write, but engage in some employment or 
diversion that will so far occupy. the thought as to make them for¬ 
get the business of the closet. A solitary ride or walk are so far 
from relaxing the mind, that they rather encourage thought. No¬ 
thing can divert the mind, when it gets into a train or serious think¬ 
ing, but attention to subjects of a more trivial nature. These prove 
a kind of play to the mind, and consequently relieve it. 

Learned men often contract a contempt for what they call trifling 
company. They are ashamed to be seen with any but philosophers. 
This however is no proof of their being philosophers themselves. 
No man deserves that name who is ashamed to unbend his mind, 
by associating with the cheerful and gay. Even the society of chil¬ 
dren will relieve the.mind, and expel the gloom which application 

study is too apt to occasion. 

As studious people are necessarily much within doors, they should 
make choice of a large and well-aired place for study. This would 
not only prevent the bad effects which attend confined air, but would 
cheer the spirits, and have a most happy influence both on .the body 
and mind. It is said of Euripides the tragedian, that he used to re¬ 
tire to a dark cave to compose his tragedies, and of Demosthenes 
the Grecian orator, that he chose a place for study where nothing 
could be either heard or seen. With all deference to such venera¬ 
ble names, we cannot help condemning their taste. A man may 
surely think to as good purpose in an elegant apartment as in a cave; 
and may have as happy conceptions wheie the all-cheering rays of 
the sun render the air wholesome, as in places where they never 
enter. 

Those who read or write much should be very attentive to their 
posture, They ought to sit and s'and by turns always keeping as 
nearly in an erect posture as possible. Those who dictate, may do 
it walking. It has an excelIfent effect heaiiently to read or e-peak 
aloud. This not only exercises the lungs, but, almost the whole bo : > 
dy. Hence studious people are greatly benefited by delivering dia- 
bourses in public. Public speakers, indeed, sometimes hurt them¬ 
selves, by overacting their par?; but Ibis is their own' fault. The 
martyr to mere vociferation merits not our sympathy. 

The morning has, by all medical writers, been reckoned the best 
time for study. It is. so. But it is also the most proper season fog 
exercise, while the stomach is empty, and the spirits refreshed with 
sleep. Studious people should therefore sometimes spend the morn¬ 
ing in walking, riding, or some manly diversions without doors. 
This would make them return to study with greater alacrity, and 
would be of more service.than twice the time after their spirits are 
worn out with fatigue. It is not sufficient to take diversion only 
when we can think no longer. Every studious person should make 
it a part of his business, and slrould let nothing interrupt his ho ns 

of recreation more than those of study. 

H Music 


36 Of the LABORIOUS, the SEDENTARY, Sec. 


Music has a very happy effect in relieving the mind when fatigued 
with study. It would be well if every studious person were so far 
acquainted with that science as to amuse himself'after severe 
thought by playing such airs as have a tendency to raise the spirits, 
and inspire cheerfulness and good humour 

It is a reproach to learning, that any of her votaries, to relieve the 
mind after study, should betake themselves to the use of strong li¬ 
quors. This inded is a remedy; but it is a desperate one, and al¬ 
ways proves destructive. Would suCh persons, when their spirits 
are-Iow, get on horseback, and ride ten or a dozen miles, they would 
find it a more effectual'remedy than any cordial medicine in the 
apothecary’s shop, or all the strong liquors in the world. 

The following is my plan, and 1 cannot recommend a better to 
Others. When my mind is fatigued with study, or other serious bu¬ 
siness, 1 mount my horse* and ride ten or twelve miles into the 
country, where I spend a day. and sometimes two, with a cheer¬ 
ful friend; after which I never fail to return to town with new vi¬ 
gour, and to pursue my studies or business with fresh alacrity. 

It is much to be regretted, that learned men, while in health, pay 
so little regard to these things ! There is not any thing more com¬ 
mon than to see a miserable object over-run With nervous diseases, 
loathing, walking, riding, and, in a word, doing every thing for 
health after it is gone; yet, if any one had recommended these 
things to him by way of prevention, the advice would, in all pro¬ 
bability, have been treated with contempt) or, at least, with ne¬ 
glect. Such is the Weakness and folly of mankind, and such the 
the want of foresight, even hi those who ought to be wiser than 
Others ! 


With regard to the diet of the studious, we see no reason w by 
they should abstain from any kind of food that is wholesome, pro¬ 
vided they use it in moderation. They oiight, however, to 6e spar¬ 
ing in the use of every thing that is windy, rancid, or hard of di¬ 
gestion. ^ Their suppers should always, be light, or taken soon in 
the evening. Their drink may be water, fine malt liquor, not to® 
strong, good cyders wine and water, or, if troubled with acidities, 
water mixed with n little brandy, rum, or.any other genuine spirit. 

We'shall only' observe, • win! regard to those kinds of exercise 
which are most proper for the studious, that they should not be too 
violent, nor ever carried to the degree of excessive fatigue. They 
'ought likewise to be frequentlj, varied so as to give action to ail the 
differea' parts 61 too body; and should, as often as possible, be tak¬ 
en in t'j io open an. In gone*a!, riding on horseback, walking; work¬ 
ing ic a garden, or playing at some active diversions, are the besf. 

Vvv would likewise recommend the use of the cold bath to the 
siumoir..^ ^ It will, in some measure, supply the place of exercise, 
ai ; mould not be neglected by persons of a relaxed habit, especi¬ 
al, v in trie warm season. * ' 


- V person ought ei;her to take violent exercise or to $tudy im- 
me male !y aftdr a full meal. ' 


C H A p; 


Q'F A L I M’E N T. 37- 


€ H A B. III. 


OF ALIMENT. 


U NWHOLESOME food, and irregularities of diet, occasion. 

many diseases. There is no doubt but the whole constitution 
of body may be changed by diet alone. The fluids may be thereby 
attenuated or condensed, rendered mild or acrimonious, coagulated 
or diluted, to almost any degree. Nor are its effects upon.the so¬ 
lids less considerable. They may be braced or relaxed, have theijr 
sensibility, motions, &c. greatly encreased or diminished, by diffe¬ 
rent kinds of aliment. A very small attention to these things will, 
be sufficient to shew, how much the preservation of health depends., 
upon a proper regimen of the diet. 

Nor is an attention to diet necessary for the preservation of health 
only: it is likewise of importance in the cure of diseases. Every 
intention in the cure of many diseases, may be answered by diet 
alone. Its effects, indeed, are not always so quick as those of me¬ 
dicine, but they are generally more lasting: besides, it is neither so 
disagreeable.to the patient, nor so dangerous as medicine, and. is al¬ 
ways more easily obtained. 

Our intention here is not to enquire minutely into the nature and 
properties of the various kinds of .aliment in use among mankind; 
nor to shew their effects upon the different constitutions of the hu¬ 
man body; but to mark some of the most pernicious errors which 
people are apt, to fall into, with respect both, to the quantity and 
quality of their food, and to point out their influence upon health. 

It is not indeed an easy matter to ascertain the exact quantity of 
food proper for every age, sex, and constitution: but a scrupulous 
nicety here is by no means necessary. The best rule is to avoid ail 
extremes. Mankind, were never intended to weigh and measure 
tReir food. Nature teaches every creature when it has enough; 
and the calls of thirst and hunger are sufficient to inform thmn when 
more is necessary. 

Though nioderatio# is the chief rule with regard to the quantity, 
yet the quality of food merits a farther consideration. Tiuxe are 
many ways by which provisions may. be .rendered unwholesome. 
Bad seasons may either prevent the ripening of grain,, or damage it 
afterwards. These, indeed, are acts of Providence, and we must 
submit to them; but surely no punishment can be too severe for 
those who suffer provisions to spoil by hoarding them,.on purpose to 
raise the price, or who promote their own interest by adulterating 
the necessaries of life*. 


* The poor, indeed, are generally the flrfl- who fuflfer by unfound provi¬ 
so ns; but the lives of the labouring poor are of great importance to the 
flate: befides, difeafes occafloned by unwholefome food often prove infec¬ 
tious, by which means they reach people in every ftation. It is therefore 
the intereft of all to take care that no fpoiit provi lions of any kind be ex- 


ppfed to fail. 


Animal, 


88 


O F A LIME N T. 


Animal, as well as vegetable food, may be rendered unwholesome* 
bv be.ng kept too long. All animal substances have a constant ten¬ 
dency to putrefaction;'and, when that has proceeded too far, they 
not only become offensive to the series, but hurtful to health. Dis¬ 
eased animal?, and such as die ot themselves, ought never to be 
eaten. It is a common practice, however, in some gracing coun¬ 
ilies, for servants and .poor people to eat such animals as die of any 
disease, or are killed by accident. Poverty, indeed, may oblige 
people to do this; but tnev had better eat a smaller quantity of 
what is sound and wholesome: it would both afford a better nou¬ 
rishment. and be attended with less danger. 

The injunctions given to the Jews, not to eat any creature which 
died of it -elf, sc in to have a strict regard to health; and ought to 
fee observed by Christians as well as Jews. Animals never die 
themselves without seme previous diseasei but how a diseased ani¬ 
mal should be wholesome food, is inconceivable: even those which 
die by accident must be hurtful, as their bfood is mixed with the 
flesh, and soon turns putrid. 

Animals which feed grOss l y, as tame ducks, hogs. Sec. are neither 
so easily digested. no? afford such wholesome nourishment a.s others. 
No animal can be whole orne which does not take sufficient exer¬ 
cise. Most of our stalled cattle are crammed with gross food, but 
not allowed exerci e nor tree air; bv which means they indeed 
grow fat, but their juices not being properly prepared or assimilat¬ 
ed, remain crude, and occasion indigestions,'gross'humours, and op¬ 
pression of the spirits, in those who feed'upon them. 

Animals are often rendered unwholesome by being over-heated< 
Excessive heat causes a fever, exalts the animal sglts, and mixes the 1 
blood so intimately with the flesh; that it cannot be separated. For 
this reason, butchers should be severely punished who over-drive 
their cattle. No person would dulse to eat the flesh of an animal 
which had died in a high fever; yet that is the case with all over¬ 
drove cattle; and the fever is often raised even to the degree of . 
jnadness. ' 

But this is not the only way by which butchers render meat un¬ 
wholesome. The abominable custom of filling the cellular mem¬ 
brane of animals with air, ip order ' to make them appear fat, is k 
everyday practised. This pot only"spoils the meat, and renders it 
Unfit for keeping, but is such a dirty trick,'that the very idea of it 
is sufficient to disgust a person of any delicacy at every thing which 
conies from the shambles'. Who can bear the thought of eating 
meat which lias" been blown up with air from the lungs of a dirty - 
fellow, perhaps labouring, under the very worst of : diseases ? 

^Butchers have likewise A method of filling, the cellular membranes 
of animals with bipod.'' This makes the meat seem tatter, and like- ' 
\vbe‘ weigh niofe, but-is notwithstanding a very pernicious custom, 
as' it both renders h;e meat unwholesome void unfit for keeping. I 
seldom see a piece of meat from' the shambles where the blood is 
not diffused through the cellular texture. I shall, not say that this is 
always the effect' of design; but am certain if is. not the case with 
animals, that arc.killed fbr‘ domesticc use, and* properly blooded 
" '' ' "• ’ ‘ * Veal: * 


OF A Ik I ME N T. 39 

Veal.seems to be most frequently spoilt in this way. Perhaps 
that may in some measure be owing to the practice of carrying calves 
from a great distance to market, bv which means their tender flesh 
is bruised, and many of their vessels burst. 

No people in the world eat such quantities of animal food as the 
English, which is one reason why they are so generally tainted with 
the scurvy, and its numerous train of consequences, indigestion, 
low spirits, hypochondriacism, &c. Animal food was surely design¬ 
ed for man, and with a proper mixture a vegetables, it will be found 
the most wholesome; but to gorge beef, mutton, pork. Ash, and 
fowl, twice or thrice a day, is certainly too much. All who value 
health ought to be contented with making one meal of flesh in the 
twenty-four hours, and this ought to consist of one kind only. 

The most obstinate scurvy has often been cured by a vegetable 
diet; nay, milk alone will frequently do more in that disease than 
any medicine. Hence it is evident, that if vegetables and milk 
were more used in diet, we should have less scurvy, and likewise 
fewer putrid and inflammatory fevers. Fresh vegetables, indeed, 
come to be daily more used in diet; this laudable practice we hope 
will continue to gain ground. 

Our aliment ought neither to be too moist nor too dry. Moist 
aliment relaxes the solids, and renders the body feeble. Thus we 
see females, who live much on tea and other watery diet, generally 
become weak and unable to digest solid food: hence proceed hys¬ 
terics, and all their dreadful consequences. On the other hand, 
food that is too dry, renders the solids in a manner rigid, and the 
humours viscid, which disposes the body to inflammatory fevers, 
scurvies, and the lik^. » 

Much has been said on the ill effects of tea in diet. They are, no 
doubt, numerous; but they proceed rather from the imprudent use 
of it, than from any bad qualities in the tea itself. Tea is now the 
universal breakfast in this part of the world; but the morning is 
surely the most improper time of the day for drinking it.. Most de¬ 
licate persons, who, by the bye,' are the greatest tea drinkers, can¬ 
not eat any thing in the morning. If such persons, after fasting 
ten or twelve hours, drink four or five cups of green tea without 
eating almost any bread, it must hurt them. Good tea, taken in a 
moderate quantity, not too strong, nor too hot, nor drank upon an 
empty stomach, will seldom do harm; but if it be bad, which is of¬ 
ten the case, or substituted in the room of solid food, it must have 
many ill effects. 

The arts of cookery render many things unwholesome, which are 
not so in their own nature. By jumbling together a number of dif¬ 
ferent ingredients, in Qrder to make a poignant sauce, or rich soup, 
the composition proved almost a poison. All high seasoning, pickles, 
&c. are only incentives to luxury, and never fail to hurt the sto¬ 
mach. It were well for mankind, if cookery, as an art, were en¬ 
tirely prohibited. Plain roasting or boding is all that the stomach 
requires. These alone are sufficient for people in health, and the 
sick have.* still less need of a cook. 

The liquid part of our aliment likewise claims our attention. 

Water 



40 


OF ALIMIS T. 


Water is not only the basis of most liquors, but also composes a, 
great part of our solid food. Good water must therefore be of the 
greatest importance in diet. The best water is that gtfyhich is most 
pure, and nee from any mixture'of foreign bodies'. Water takei 
up parts of most bodies with which it cotnes into contact; by this 
means it is often impregnated, with metals or minerals of a hurtful- 
or poisonous nature. Hence the inhabitants- of some hilly coun¬ 
tries have peculiar diseases, which in all probability proceed from 
the water. Thus the people who live near the Alps in Switzer¬ 
land, and the inhabitants of the Peak of Derby in England, have 
large tumours or wens on their necks. This disease is generally im¬ 
puted tq. the snow water; but there is more reason to' believe it is 
owing to the minerals in the mountains through which The water 
•pass. 

4 When water is impregnated with foreign bodies, it generally ap¬ 
pears by its weight, colour, taste, smell, heat, or some other sensi¬ 
ble quality. Our business therefore is to chuse such water, for 
common use, as is tightest, and vyithout any particular colour, taste, 
or smell. In most places of Britain the ink ah’tan ts have it in their 
power to make choice of their water; and few things would con¬ 
tribute more'to health than a due attention to this article. But 
mere indolence 4 often induces people to make use of the water that 
is nearest to them, without considering its qualities. 

Before, water is brought info great, towns, the strictest attent’qh 
ought to be paid to its qualities, as may diseases may be occasioned 
or aggravated by bad water; and when once it lias been procured 
at a great expence, people are unwilling to give it up. 

The common methods of rendering water clear by filtration, or 
< soft, by exposing it to the sun and air, 8z c. are so generally known 
that it is unnecessary to spend time in explaining them. We shall 
only, in general, advise all to avoid waters which stagnate long in 
small lakes ponds, or the like, as such waters often become putrid, 
bv the corruption of animal and vegetable bodies with, which they ' 
abound. Even cattle frequently suffer by drinking, in dry sea¬ 
sons, water which has stood long in sma.U reservoirs, without being 
supplied by springs, or freshened wi h showers. All wells ought, to 
be kept clean, and to have a free commaideation with the air.° 

As fermented liquors, notwithstanding they have been exclaimed 
against by many writers, still continue to be the common drink of 
almost every person who can afford them; wc shall rather endea¬ 
vour to assist people in the. choice of the e liquors, than pretend to 
condemn what custom has so firmly established. It is not. the mo¬ 
derate use of-sound fermented liquors which'’hurts mankind: it is 
excess, and using such as sire ilk prepared or vitiated. 

Fermented liquor,, which are too strong, hurt digestion: and the 
body is so far from being strengthened by them, that it: is weakened 
and relaxed. lU-inv imagine’that hard labour could not he support¬ 
ed without drinking strong liquor.-: this is a very erroneous no¬ 
tion. Men who neve;- taste strong liquors are not only able to en¬ 
dure more fatigue, hut also live much longer, than those who u-e 
them daily; But, suppose strong liquors did enable a man to do 


more 


&ore work, they must nevertheless waste the powers of life, and 
Occasion premature old age. They keep up a constant fever, which 
exhausts the spirits, inflames the blood, and disposes the body to 
numberlesses diseases. 

But fermented liqours may be too weak as well as too strong: 
when that is the case, they must either be drank new, or they be¬ 
come sour and and dead: when such liquors are drank hew, the 
fermentation not being over, they generate air in the bo we is, and 
occasion flattulencies; and, when kept till stale, they turn sour oh 
the stomach, and hurt digestion. For this reason all malt-liquor* 
cyder See. ought to be of such strength as to keep till they he ripe, 
and then they should be used. When such liquors are kept ted 
long, though they should not become sour, yet they generally con¬ 
tract a hardness which renders them unwholesome. 

All families, who can) ought to prepare their own liquors. Since 
preparing and veding of liquors became one of the most genera! 
branches of business, every method has been tried to adulterate 
them. The great object both to the makers and vendors of liquor 
is, to render it intoxicating, and give it (he appearance of age. But 
it is well known that this may be: dbne bv other ingredients, than 
those ;which ought to be used for making it strong. It would be, 
imprudent even to name those things which are daily made use of 
to render liquors heady. Suffice it to say, that the practice is very 
common, and that all the ingredients used for this purpose are of a 
narcotic or stupefactivc quality. But as all opiates are poisonous, 
it is easy to see what must be the consequence of their general use. 
Though they do not kill suddenly, yet they hurt the nerves, relax 
and weaken the stomach, and spoil the digestion. 

Were fermented liquors faithfully prepared, kept to a proper age; 
paid’used in moderation, they would prove real blessings to man¬ 
kind.' But, while they are ill prepared, various ways adulterated, 
and taken to excess, they must have many pernicious effects.- 

We would recommend it to families, not only to prepare their own 
liquors, but likewise their bread. Bread is so necessary a part of 
diet, that too .much care cannot be bestowed in Order to have it 
sound and wholesome. For this purpose, it is not only necessary 
that it be made of good grain, but likewise properly prepared, and 
kept free from ad unwholesome ingredients; This, however, we 
have reason to believe is not always the case With bread prepared by 
those who makd a trade of vending it. Their object is rather to 
please the eye; than to consult the health. The best bread is that 
which.is neither too coarse nor too fine; well fermented, and made 
of wheat flower, or rather of wheat and rye mixed together. > 

To specify the different kinds of aliment, to explain (heir nature 
and properties; and to point out theSr effects in different constitu¬ 
tions; would far exceed the limits of our design. Instead of a de¬ 
tail of this kin . which would not be generally understood, and of 
Course Ik:le a ended to, we shall only mention the following easy 
rules with respect to the choice of aliment. 

Persons whose olids are weak and relaxed, ought <o avoid all vis¬ 
cid fooch or such trhngs as arc hard of digestion. Their diet, how¬ 
ever. 


6 F ALIME NT. 


s # 

ever, ought to he nourishing; and they should take sufficient exer¬ 
cise in the open air. 

Such as abound with blood should be sparing in the use of every 
thing that is highly nourishing, as fat meat, rich wines, strong ale, 
&nd such like. Their food should consist chiefly of bread and 
other vegetable substances; and their drink ought to be water, 
whey, or small beer. 

Fat people should not eat freely of oily nourishing diet. They 
ought frequently to use raddish, garlic, spices, or such things as are 
heating dnd promote perspiration and urine. Their drink should 
be water, coffee, tea, or the like; and they ought to take much ex¬ 
ercise and little sleep. 

Those who are too lean must follow an opposite course. 

Such as are troubled with acidities, or whose food is apt to sour 
on the stomach, should live much on animal food; and those who 
h.re afflicted with hot alkaline • eructations, ought to usd a diet con¬ 
sisting chiefly nf acid vegetables. 

People who&re afflicted with the gdut, low spirits, hypochondriac 
Or hysteric disorders, ought to avoid all flatulent food, every thing 
that is viscid, or hard of digestion, all salted or smoke-dried provi¬ 
sions, arid whatever is austere, acid, or apt to turn sour on the 
stomach. Their food should be light, spare, cool, and of an open¬ 
ing nature. > 

The diet ought not only to be.suited to the age and constitution, 
but also to the manner of life; a sendentary or studious person 
should live more sparingly than one who labours hard Without 
doors. Many kinds of food will nourish a peasant very well which 
would be almost indigestible to a citizen; and the latter will live 
upon a diet on which the former would starve. 

Diet ought not to be too uniform. The constant use of ohe kind 
of food might have some bad effects. Nature teaches us this, by the 
great variety of aliment which she has provided for man, and like¬ 
wise by giving him all appetite for different kinds of food. 

Those who labour under anv particular disease, ought to avoid 
such aliments as have a tendency to increase it: for example, a 


g ra ~ 

gra- 


gouty person should hot indulge in rich wines, strong soups, or 
vies, arid should avoid all acids. One who is troubled with the 
yd ought to shun all austere and astringent aliments; and those who 
are sccrOufe should be sparing in the use of salted provisions, &c. 

In the first period of life; oiir food ought to be light, but nou¬ 
rishing, and frequently taken. Food that is solid, with a sufficient 
degree of .tenacity, is most proper for the state of manhood. The 
diet suited to the last period of life, when hature is upon the de¬ 
cline, approaches nearly to that of the first. It should be lighter 
*rnd more succulent than that Of vigorous age, and likewise more 
frequently taken. 



distended with food, they lose their proper tone, and, by long fast- 

in gi 


they become weak, and inflated with wind. Thus, either glut¬ 
tony or tasting' destroys the poWers of digestion. ; , 

The frequent repetition of aliment is not only necessary for re¬ 
pairing the continual waste of ,our bodies, but likewise to keep the 
fluids sound and sweet., Our humours, even in the most healthy 
>state, have, a constant tendency to putrefaction, which .can only be 
prevented by frequent supplies of fresh nourishment: when that is 
wanting too long, the putrefaction often proceeds, so far as to occa¬ 
sion very dangerous fevers.; From hence we may learn the neces¬ 
sity of regular meals. No person can.enjoy a good state of health, 
ywhose vessels are either frequently overcharged, or the humours 
long deprived of fresh supplies of chyle. 

Long fasting is extremely hurtful to young people ; it not only v : « 
tiates .their humours, but prevents their growth. Nor is it less inju¬ 
rious. to the aged. , Most persons, in the decline of life, are afflicted 
with wind: this complaint is not only increased, but even rendered 
dangerous, and often fatal, by long fasting. Old people, when their 
stomachs are empty, are frequently seized with giddiness, head- 
aehs, and faintness. ..... These complaints may generally be removed 
.by apiece of. bread and a glass of wine, or. taking ; by other solid 
food; which plainly points out the method of preventing them. 

It is more than probable, that many of the sudden deaths, which 
happen m the advanced periods of .life, are ..occasioned by fasting 
*t©o long, as it exhausts the spirits, and fills, the, bowels with wind ; 
we would therefore advise people in the decline of life, never to 
allow their stomachs to be too long empty. . Many people take no¬ 
thing byt a few cups of tea and. a little bread, from nine o'clock at 
night till two or three next after tie on. Such mav be said to fast al¬ 
most three-fourths of their time. This can hardly fail to. ruin, the 
appetite, vitiate, the humours, ahd fill the bowels with w r :nd; all 
which might be prevented by a sbild breakfast. . 

It is a very common practice to eat a light breakfast and a heavy 
supper. This custom ought to be reversed. W fieri people .up late, 
their supper- should be very light; but ti e breakfast ought always 
to be sold. If a.ny o»e eats alight supper, goes soon to bed, and 
rises betimes in the morning, he will be sure to find an appetiie for 

his breakfast, and fie fray freely indulge it. , , 

The .strong and healthy do not indeed ,suffer so n uch from fair¬ 
ing as the weak and delicate; but they run great hazard from ifs 
opposite, v»£; repletion. Many diseases, especially fivers, aie the 
effect of a plethora, or too great fulness of tfie vessels. Strong peo¬ 
ple, in high health, have generally a grea? quantity of blcou and other 
humours. When these are suddenly increased, by an overcharge of 
rich and nourishing diet, the "\essels beech e too - much distended^ 
and obstructions .and inflammations ensue. Hence so many people 
are seized with inflammatory and eruptive levers, apoplexies, SiC. 

after a feast or debauch. , , ... . c ,■ ; 1. 

A1I great and sudden changes in. diet are danger* us. Y\ nat die 
-Stomach has been .long accustomed to digest, though less wholesome, 
will agree better with it than food of a more salutary mature to 
which it fias not been used. When therefore a change beet mes ih., 

X > ccs: ary. 


44 


OF AIR. 


cessary, it ought always to be made gradually; a sudden transition 
from a poor and low, to a rich and luxurious diet, o: the contrary, 
might so disturb the functions of the body as to endanger health, 
or even to occasion death itself! 

When We recommend regularity in diet, we \vould not be under* 
stood as condemning every small deviation from it. It is next to 
impossible for people at all times to avoid some degree of excess, 
and living too much by rule might make even the smallest deviation 
dangerous. It may therefore be prudent to vary a little, sometimes 
taking more, sometimes less, than the usual quantity of meat and 
drink, provided always that a due regard be had to moderation. 



C II A R IV. 
OF AIR, 


*T TNWHOLESOME air is a very common ctiuse of diseases. 
vJ Few are aware of the danger arising from it. People gene¬ 
rally pay some attention to What they eat or drink, but seldom re¬ 
gard What goes into the lungs, though the latter proves often more 
suddenly fatal than the former. 

Air, as well as water, takes Up parts of most bodies with which 
it tomes in contact, and is often so replenished with those of a nox¬ 
ious quality, as to occasion immediate death. But such violent ef¬ 
fects seldom happen, as people are generally on their guard against 
them. The less perceptible influences df bad air prove more gene* 
rally hurtful to mankind; we shall therefore endeavour to point out 
some of these; and tb shew whence the danger chiefly arises. 

Air may become noxious many W ays. Whatever greatly alters 
•its degree of heat; cold, moisture, &c. renders it unwholesome: for 
example, that which is .tdo hot dissipates the watery parts of the 
blood, exalts the bile; ahd render^ the whole humours adust and 
thick. HencC proceed biliohs artd ihflatnmatory fevers, cholera 
morbus, &c. Very cold air obstructs the perspiration, cons fringes 
the solids; and condenses the fluids; It occasions rheumatisms, 
coughs, and catarrhs, with other dise&sSs bf the throat and breast. 
Air (hat is too moist destroys the elasticity or spring of the solids; 
Induces phlegmatic or lax constitutions, and disposes the body to 
agues, or intermitting fever'; drop ies, &c. 

Wherever great numbers of people are Crowded into one place, 
if the air has not a flee circitlatoh, it soon becomes uhwholesome. 
Hdhce it is (hat delicate person? are so apt to turn sick or faint in 
Crowded churche.?, assemblies; or any place Where the air is injured 
by breathing, fires, candies, or the like 

Ill.great cities, so many things tend to contaminate the air, that it 
is no wonder it proves so fatal ft he inhabitants. The air in cities 


is not only breathed repeatedly ver; but is likewise loaded with 
'sulphur, smoke, a: •' o.'Ler exhalations, bedA.s the vapours conti¬ 
nually arising from ih**&merabte putrid substances, as dunghills, 

slaughter- 





45 


OF AIR. 

0 *** 

slaughter-houses, &c. All possible care should be taken to keep 
the streets of large towns open and wide, that the air may have a 
free current through them. They ought likewise to be kept very 
clean. Nothing tends more to pollute and contaminate the air of 
a city than dirty streets. 

It is very common in this country to have church-yards in the 
middle of populous cities. Whether this be the effect of ancient 
superstition, or owing to the increase of such towns, is a matter of 
no consequence. Whatever gave rise to the custom, it is a had 
one. It is habit alone which reconciles us to these things; by 
means of which the most ridiculous, nay pernicious customs, often 
become sacred. Certain it is, that thousands of putrid carcasses, so 
near the surface of the earth, in a place where the air is confined, 
cannot fail to taint it; and that such air, when breathed into the 
lungs, must occasion diseases*. 

Burying within churches is a practice still more detestable. The 
air in churches is seldom good, and the effluvia from putrid carcass¬ 
es must render it still worse. Churches are commonly old buildings 
with arched roofs. They are seldom open above once a week, are 
neves ventilated by fires nor open windows, and rarely kept clean. 
This occasions that damp, musty, unwholesome smell which one 
feels upon entering a church, and render* it a very unsafe place for 
the weak and valetudinary. These inconveniences might, in a great 
measure, be obviated, by prohibiting all persons from burying with¬ 
in churches, by keeping them clean, and permitting a stream of fresh 
air to pass frequently through them, by oppening opposite doors and 
\vindowsf. 

Wherever air stagiiatcs long, it becomes unwholesome. Hence 
the unhappy persons confined in jails not only contract malignant 
fevers themselves, but often communicate them toothers. Nor are 
many of the holes, for we cannot call them houses^posscssed by the 
poor in great towns, much better than jails. These low dirty ha¬ 
bitations are the very lurking places of bad air and contagious dis¬ 
eases. Such as live in them seldom enjoy good health; and their 
children commonly die young. In the choice of a house, those who 
- have it their power ought always to puy the greatest attention to 
open free air. 

The. various methods which luxury has invented to make houses 
close and warm, contribute not a little to render them unwholesome. 
No house can be wholesome unless the air has a free passage through 
it, For which reasons houses ought daily to be ventilated, by open¬ 
ing opposite windows* and admitting a current of fresh air into 
everv room. Beds, instead of being made up as soon as people rise 
out of them, ought to be turned down, and exposed to the fresh 
air from the open windows through the day. This would expel any 

* In molt eaftern countries is was culiomary to bury the dead at feme dis¬ 
tance from any town. As this practice obtained among the Jews, the 
Greeks, and alio the Romans, it is Orange that the weftern parts of Europe 
fliould not have followed their exernple in a cuftom fo truly laudable. 

| One cannot pafs through a large church or cathedral, even in fummer,., 
without feejing quite chilly. 


noxious 





46. 


I. A I R- 


( ' \ .. “ f* ■ ; • • ^ . .-N • . ;r 

noxious vapour, and could not fail to promote the health of .the ' 

habitants. '. , rT ' ' - . 

In hospitals, jails, ships Sec. where that cannot be conveniently 
doge, ventilators should be’ used. The method of expelling foul* 
and introducing fjgjh air, by me.ans of ventilators, is a most saluta- 1 ’ 
rv.invention, and is indeed the most useful of all .our modern medi¬ 
cal improvements. Jt is'capable of .universal< application, and is,, 
fright with numerous advantages, both to those in health and sick¬ 
ness; In all places, where, numbers of people are crowded together, 
ventilation becomes absolutely necessary. ' . : • c 

Air which stagnates in-mines, wells, cellars, &c, is extremely . 
noxious. That kind of air' is to be avoided as the most deadly poi¬ 
son. It often kills almost as quickly as lightning. For this reason, 
people should be very cautious in opening cellars that have been ; 
long shut, ot going down into deep wells or pits, especially if they’ 
have been kept clpse covered*. 

; 'Many peoph 1 who have splendid houses, chuse to sleep in small:, 
apartments. This conduct is very imprudent. s\ bed chamber 
ought always to be well aired;-as it is generally occupied in the 
night only, when all doors and windows are shut. If a fire be kept 
ifi it, the danger from a small room becomes still greater. Numbers • 
havh been stifled when asleep by a fire in a small apartment, which 
is always hurtful. ’ ‘ . ' 

Those who are obliged, on account of .business, to spend the day. 
in close,towns. Ought, if possible, to sleep, in the country. Rreat.hV 
ing free air in the night wilt, in some measure, make up for'the want, 
of it through the day. This practice would have a greater effect 
in preserving the health of citizens than is commonly imagined „ j % 

Delicate persons ought, as much as possible, to avQid the air of . 
great towns. It is peculiarly hurtful to the asthmatic and consump¬ 
tive Such persons should avoid cities as they would the’ plague,’ 
The hypochondriac are likewise much hurt bv-it. I have often seen 
persons so much afflicted with this malady while in town, tfiat it’ 
seemed impossible for them to live, who, upon being removed to 
the country, were immediately ■ relieved. The same observation 
folds with regard to nervous and hysteric women. Many people,' 
indeed, have it not in their power to change their situation in quest ' 
of better air. All we can say to such persons is, that they should 
go as often abroad into the. open air as they can, that they should^ 
ml mi t fresh nil frequently intotheir houses, and take care to keep 
them very dean. 

It was necessary in former times, for safety, fn surround cities 
colleges, and even single's houses, with high walls. These, by oh-' 
struding the free cun cut of air, new fail to render such places 
damp and unwholesome. As such'walls are now, in most parts'of 
this count rv, become useless, they ought to be pulled down, and 

* We have, daily accounts of perfons who Iofis their lives bv going down 
into deep welts and other places* where the air Magnates; all thefe accidents 
might be prevented by only let ring clown a lighted candle before them, and 
itopping when they perceive i? go out; yet this precaution, fimple as it is ’ 
is ieldom mod. .... a ... •*. 


every 


47- 


Q F A I R. 

every method taken to admit a free passage to the air. Proper at¬ 
tention to Air and Cl ean'iTine£<; would tend more to preserve 
the health of mankind, than all the prescriptions of the faculty. 

Surrounding houses too xdoseiy with planting or thick woods, 
likewise tends to render the air uinvhotedomb. Wdod not only ob¬ 
structs the free current of the air, but sends forth great quantities of 
moist exhalations, which render it constantly damp. Wood is very 
agreeable at a proper distance from a house, but should never be - 
planted too near it, especially in a flat country. Many of the gen¬ 
tlemen's seats jn England are rendered very unwholesome from tire 1 
great quantity of wood which surrounds them. 

Houses sitiyated in low marshy countries, or near large lakes of 
stagnating water are likewise unvvhoIe's6me.' Waters which stag¬ 
nate not only render the air damp, but load it with putrid exhala¬ 
tions, which produce the most dangerous and fatal diseases. Those 
who are obliged to inhabit marshy countries, ought to make choice 
of the dryest situations they can find, to live generously, and to pay 
the strictest regard to cleanliness. 

If fresh air be necessary for those in health, it is still more so for 
the sick, who often lose thqir lives for want of it. The notion that 
sick people must be kept very hot, is so common, that one can hard-' 

IV enter the charnbep where a patient lies, without being ready to 
faint, by reason of the. hot suffocating smell. How this must af¬ 
fect the sick, any one may judge. No medicine is so beneficial to 
the sick as fresh aiy. It is the most reviving of all cordials, if it be 
administered with prudence. We are not, however, to throw open 
doors and windows at random upon the sick. Fresh air is to be Jet 
into the chamber gradually, and, if possible, by opening the win¬ 
dows of some other apartment. 

The air of a sick person’s chamber may Be greatly freshened, and 
the patient much revived, by sprinkling the - floor, bed, &c. frequent¬ 
ly with vinegar, juice of lemon, or any other strong vegetable acid. 

In places where numbers of sick are crowded into the same* 
house, or, which is often the case, into the' s^me apartment, the 
frequent admission of fresh air becomes absolutely necessary. In¬ 
firmaries, hospitals, &c. are often rendered so noxious, for want of 
proper ventiration, that the sick run more hazard from them than 
from the disease. This is particularly the case when putrid fevers, 
dysenteries, and other infectious diseases prevail. 

Physicians, surgeons, and others whq attend hospitals, ought, for 
their own safety, to take care that they be properly, ventilated. 
Such-persons as are obliged the spend the most of their time 
amongst the. sick, run great hazard of being themselves infected 
when the air is bad. All hospitals, and places of reception for the 
sick, ought to have an open situation, at some distance from any 
great town, and Such patients -as labour under any infectious dis¬ 
ease ought neve’r to be suffered to come near the rest*. 

* A year feldom paffes that we do not hear of forae hofpital phyficijm ojr 
ihrgejuj having foil, his life bv an ho’fpital fever caught from his patient?. 
For this they "have fhehifelws alone to blame. Their patients are either in 
a i irnpr >per fituation, or they are too carelefs With regard to their own coru 
dutf. CHAP. 


( 48 ) 

CHAP. V. 

OF EXERCISE. 

M ANY people look upon the necessity man is under of earn- 
ing his bread by labour, as a curse. Be this as it may, it is 
evident from the structure of the body, that exercise is not less ne¬ 
cessary than food for the preservation of health: those whom poverty 
obliges to labour for daily bread, are not only the most healthy, but 
generally the most happy part of mankind. Industry seldom fails to 
place them above want, and activity serves thejn instead of physic. 
This is peculiai !y the case with those who live by the culture or the 
ground. The great incresrse of inhabitants in infant colonies, and 
the longevity of such as follow agriculture every where, evidently 
prove it to be the most healthy as well as the most useful employ¬ 
ment. 

The love of activity shews itself very early in man. So strong is this 
principle, that a healthy youth cannot be restrained from exercise, 
even by the fear of punishment. Our love of motion is surely a 
strong proof of its utility. Nature implants no disposition in vain. 
It seems to be a catholic law throughout the whole animal creation, 
that no creature, without exercise, should, enjoy health, or be able 
to find subsistence. Every creature, except ipaii, takes as much of 
it as is necessary. He alone, and such animals as are under his di¬ 
rection, deviate from this briginal law, and they suffer accordingly. 

Inactivity never fails to induce an universal relaxation of the so¬ 
lids which disposes the body to innumerable diseases. When the 
solids are relaxed, neither the digestion por any of the secretions- 
ean be duly performed. In this case, the worst consequences must 
ensue How can persons who loll ail-day in easy chairs, and sleep 
all night on beds of down, fail to be relaxed? Nor do such great¬ 
ly mend the matter, who never stir abroad but in a coach, sedan, or 
such like. These elegant pieces of luxury are become so common, 
that the inhabitants of great towns seem to be in some danger of 
losing the use of their limbs altogether. It is now below any one 
to walk, who can afford to be carried. How ridiculous would it 
seem, to a person unacquainted with modern luxury, to behold the 
young and healthy swinging along on the shoulders of their fellow- 
creatures! or to see a fat carcass, over-run with diseases occasioned 
by inactivity, dragged through the streets by half a dozen horses*! 

Glandular obstructions, qow so common, generally proceed from 
inactivity. These are the most obstinate maladies. So long as the 

* It is not neceffitv, hut fafhioa, which makes theufeof earriagesfo common. 
There are manrpieopie who have not exercife enough to keep their humours 
wholefome, who vet dare not venture to make a vifit to their next neighbours 
but in a coach or i&dan, left they {houkl be looked ^owtiumn. Strange, that men 
lhovld be fuch fools as to he laughed ought of the uie'of their limbs, or to 
throw away their Wth, in orfler to. gratify a piece of vanity, or to comply 
with a ridiculous faihion! • * v * . 

liver. 


OF E X E & C I S E. 4$ 

uv«r, kidaies, and other glands, duly perform their functions, health 
is seldom impaired; but when they fail, nothing can restore it. Ex¬ 
ercise is almost the only cure we know for glandular obstructions ; 
indeed, it does not always succeed as a remedy: but there is reason 
to believe that it would seldom fail to prevent these complaints. 
Were it used in due time. One thing is certain, that, amongst those 
who take sufficient exercise, glandular diseases are very little 
known; whereas the indolent and inactive are seldom free from 
thbnu 

Weak nerves are the constant companions ©f inactivity. No¬ 
thing but exercise and open air can brace and strengthen the nerves, 
*>r prevent the endless train of diseases which proceed from a re¬ 
laxed state of these organs. We seldom hear the active or labo¬ 
rious complain of nervous diseases; these are reserved for the sons 
of ease and affluence. Many have been completely cured of these dis¬ 
orders by being reduced, from a state of opulence, to labour for 
their daily bread. This plainly points out the sources from whence 
nervous diseases flow, and the means by which they may be pre¬ 
vented. 

It is absolutely impossible to enjoy health, where the perspira 
tion is not duly carried on; but that can never be the case when 
exercise is neglected. When the matter which ought to be throwi 
©ft' by perspiration is retained in the body, it vitiates the humours 
and occasions the gout, fevers> rheumatism, &e. Exercise atom 
would prevent many of those diseases which cannot be cured, an. 
would remove others where medicine proves ineffectual. 

A latfe atitbbr*', in his excellent treatise on health, says that tli 
weak a hd valetudinary ought to make exercise a part ot their rel 
gion.We would recommend this, not only to the weak and valetud 
nary, but toall whose business does not oblige them to take sufticiei 
exercise, as sedentary artificersf, shopkeepers, studious persons, 8c< 
Such ought to use exercise as regularly as they take food. Th 
might generally be done without any interruption to business < 
real loss of time. 

No piece of indolence hurts the health toor'c thin the mode 
Custom of lying a-bed too long in a morning. This is the gener 
practice ih great towhs. The inhabitants of cities seldom rise b 
fore eight or nine o'clock; but the morning is undoubtedly tne b< 

* Cheyne. . 

f Sedentary occupations ought chiefly to be followed by women. T1 
hear confinement much better than men, and are fitter for eVery kind of 
ftnefs vvhjch dots not require much ftreng’h. It is ridiculous enough to 
a lufty fellow making pins, needles, or wa ch wheels, while many of 
laborious parts of hufbandry are carried on by the. other fex,, The fait 
we want men for labourious employments, while one half of the other 
are rendered ufelefs for want of occupations Itiited to their firength. 
Were girls bred to mechanical employments, we fhculd not lee fuch numi 

them prollitute themfelves for bread, nor find fuch a want of men for 
important purpofes cf navigation, agriculture. &c. An eminent filk ms 
fa&urer told me, that he found women anfwer better for that bufmefs t 
men; and the he had lately taken a great many girls apprentices as lilk v\ 
vets. I hope bis example will be followed by many others. 


tidi 



so 


OF" E:X E,R*C I $ E. 


time for'Oxepc:i^ev>viiile the-stomach is empty,, and the body, refresh^ 
ed-with -sleep:- Besides* .the morning air traces and strengthens the 
nerves* and; in some-measure, answers the purpose of a cold bath. 
Letariy one who has-been -accustomed fo lie a-bed till eight or nine 
o’clock, rise by six or, seven, spend a couple of.hours.in walking, 
riding, or anv active diversion without,,doors, and ( he.\yill find his 
spirits-cheer fill and serene through the.day, his appetite keen* and 
his body braced and strengthened. Custom soon fenders early ris¬ 
ing agreeable* and nothing contributes more to the preservation or 
‘health.; . . : ,.•/ 

The inactive are continually complaining of palps of the stomach*, 
flatulencies, indigestions, &c. These c.omplaints, which pave the 
way to many others, are not to be.,.removed by medicines. They 
can only be- cured by a /vigorous course of exercise, to which in¬ 
deed they seldom fail to yield. • 

Exercise, if possible, ought always to be taken in the open air. 
When that cannot be done, various methods may-be contrived for 
exercising the body within doors, as the dumb bell, dancing, fenc¬ 
ing, ike. It is not necessary to adhere strictly to any. particular 
kind of exercise. The best way is to take them by turns, and to 
me that longest-which is most suitable to. the strength and constitu¬ 
tion. Those kinds of exercise Which give action to .most of the 
bodily organs, are always to be preferred,, as walking, running, rid¬ 
ing, digging,- rubbing furniture, and such like. , 

it is much to be regretted, that active and manly, diversions are 
now so little practised. Diversions make people take more exer¬ 
cise than they otherwise would do, and are of the greatest service 
to such as are not under, the necessity of labouring for their bread. 
A s active diversions lose ground,, those of a sedentary kiyid seem to 
prevail. Sedentary diversions are of no other use. "but to consume 
time. Instead of > relieving the mind.* they often require more 
thought than- eithor study or business. Every thing that induces 
people -to sit still, unless it become necessary employment, ought to 
be avoided. 

The diversions which afford the best exercise are, hunting, shoot- 
iiVgi playing at cricket, hand-ball,, gofff*, &c. These exercise the 
limbs’, promote perspiration, and .the ...othey secretions. They like?- 
wise strengthen the lungs, and give firmne^ and agility to the whole 
body. . . . ; 

Such as can, ought, to spend two or three hours a day oh horse¬ 
back; . those who .car,not ride, should employ -the same time ih walk¬ 
ing. Exercise should nevejy i>e. conUnhed too long. Over-fatigue 
prevents the benefit of -exercise,and instead of strengthening the 
body tends to weaken it. t ’,.; 

.Every man. should lay himself under some sort of necessity to 
take exercise. Indolence, like other, vices ‘ when indulged, gains 
ground, and. at length becomes agreeable. Hence inhny who were 

• • ;■ * ' • s . . t Ti ’ ’ 

* Golff is a . diverfion very -common. in i^orth Britain. It is well calculat¬ 
ed fer exerciflng the body, and may always be taken in fuch moderation, as 
neithet to over-heat nor fatigue. It has greatly the preference over cricket, 
tennis, or any of thole games which cannot be played without violence. 

fond 



bF SLEEP AND CLOTHING. 


51 


KJftd ol exercise in the early part of life, become quite averse from 
it afterwards. This is the ci*e of most hypochondriac and gouty 
people, which renders their diseases in a -great measure incurable. 

In some countries laws have been made, obliging every man, of 
whatever rank, to learn some mechanical employment. Whether 
such laws were designed for the preservation of health, or the en¬ 
couragement of manufacture, is a question of no importance. Cer¬ 
tain it is, that if gentlemen were frequently to afnuse and exercise 
themselves in this way; it might have many good ell vets. They 
would at least derive as much honour from a few’masterly specimens 
of their own workmanship, as from the.character of having ruined 
most of their companions by gaming or drinking. Besides, men of 
leisure, by applying themselves to the mechanical arts, might im¬ 
prove them, to the great benefit of society. 

Indolence-not only occasions diseases, and renders men useless to 
society, but promotes all manner of vice. To say a man is idle, is little 
better than to call him vicious. The mind, if not engaged in some 
useful pursuit, is constantly in quest of idegl pleasures, or impressed 
with the apprehension of some imaginary evil. From these sources 
proceed most of the miseries of mankind. Certainly man was ne¬ 
ver intended to be idle. Inactivity frustrates the very design of his 
©•eation; whereas an active life is the best guardian of virtue, and 
the greatest presertative of health. 


C II A P. VI. 

OF SLEEP AND CLOTHING. 

S LEEP, as well as diet, ought to be duly regulated. Too little 
sleep weakens the nerves, exhausts the spirits, and occasions 
diseases; ahd too much tenders the mind dull, the body gross, and 
disposes to apoplexies, lethargies, and other complain's.of a sinlilar 
nature. A medium ought therefore to be observed; but this is not 
.easy to fix. Children require more sleep than grown persons, the 
laborious than the idle, and such as eat and drink freely, than those 
who live abstemiously. Besides, the real quantity of sleep Cannot 
be measured by lime; as one person will be more refreshed by five 
dr six hours sleep, than another by eight or ten. 

Children may always be allowed to take as much sleep as they 
please; but for adults, six or seven hours is certainly sufficient, and 
no one dughjt to exceed eight. Those who lie a-bed more than eight 
hours may slumber, but thev can hardly be said to sleep; such gt> 
nerally toss and dreani away the fore-part of the night, sink to rest 
towards morning, and dose till noon. i he best way to make sleep 
sound and refreshing is to rise betimes. The custom of lay mg a-bed 
for nine or ten hours, not only makes the sleep less refreshing, but 
relaxes the solids, and greatly weakens the constitution. 

Nature points out night as the proper season for sleep. Nothing 
more certainly destroys the constitution than night-watching. It is 


K 


i — • * 







♦V/ 


OF SLEEP AND CLOTHING. 


great pity that a practice so destructive to health should be §© much 
in fashion. How quickly the want of rest in due season Will blast 
the most blooming complexion, 6r ruin the best constitution; is evi¬ 
dent from the ghastly countenances of those who, as the phrase is, 
turn day into night, and night into clay. 

To make sleep refreshing, the following things are requisite: 
First;, to take sufficient exercise in the open air; to avoid strong tea 
or coffee; next, to eat a light supper; and lastly, to lie clown with & 
mind as cheerful and serene as possible. 

It is certain that too much exercise Will prevent sleep, as well as 
too little. We seldom however hear the active and laborious com¬ 
plain of restless nights. It is the indolent and slothful w r ho gene¬ 
rally have these complaints. Is it any wonder that a bed of down 
should not be refreshing to a person who sits all day in an easy 
chair? A great part of the pleasure of life consists in alternate rest 
and motion; but they who neglect the latter can never relish the 
former. The labourer enjoys more true luxury in plain food and 
sound sleep, than is to be found in sumptuous tables and downy pil¬ 
lows, where exercise is wanting. 

That light suppers cause sound sleep, is true even to a proverb. 
Many persons* if they exceed the least at that meal, are sure to have 
uneasy nights; and, if thev fall asleep, the load and oppression oh 
their stomach and spirits occasion frightful dreams, broken and dis¬ 
turbed repose, the night-mare, &c. Were the same persons to gd 
to bed with a light supper, or sit up tiii that meal was pretty well 
digested, they would enjoy sound sleep, and rise refreshed and 
cheerful. There are indeed shine people who cannot sleep unless 
yv have eat some solid food "at night, but this does not imply the 
oessity ot a heavy supper; besides, these are generally persons 
who have accustomed themselves to this method, and who do not 
take a sufficient quantity of solid food and exercise. 

Nothing more certainly disturbs our repose than anxiety. When 
the mind is not at ease, one seldom enjoys sound sleep. Tliis< T reatr 
c.vt of auman blessings flies tne wretched, and visits the liapp\, the 
cheerful, and the gay. This is a sufficient reason why every mail 
should endeavour to be as easy in his mind as possible When he goe* 
to rest. Many, by indulging grief and anxious thought, have ba¬ 
nished sound sleep so long, that they could never afterwards enjoy 

Sleep, When taken in the fore-part of the night, is generally 
reckoned most refreshing. Whether this be the effect of habit or 
1ml, :s hard to say ; but as most people are accustomed to go early 
to bed when young, it-may be presumed that sleep, at this season 
Will pane most refreshing to them ever after. Whether the fore-part 
or the night be best for sleep or not, surely the fore-part of the day 
i, fittest both for -business and amusement. I hardly ever knew aii 
early riser wno did not enjoy a good state of health*. 


the 

hec 



* nhodi I never knew an exception; 


OF SLEEP AND CLOTHING. 53 

Of Clothing , 

The clothing ought to be suited to the clmate. Custom has no 
doubt a very great influence in this article; but no custom can ever 
change the nature of things so far, as to render the same clothing 
fit for an inhabitant of Nova Zembla and the island of Jamaica. It 
is not indeed necessary to observe an exact proportion between the 
quantity of clothes we wear, and the degree of latitude which we 
inhabit; but, at the same time, proper attention ought to be paid to 
it, as well as to the openness of the country, the frequency and vio¬ 
lence of storms, &c. 

In youth, while the blood is hot and the perspiration free, it is 
less necessary to cover the body with a great quantity of clothes; 
but in the decline of life, when the skin become* rigid and the hu¬ 
mours mare cool, the clothing should be increased. Many diseases 
in the latter period of life proceed from a defect of perspiration: 
these may, in some measure, be prevented by a suitable addition to 
the clothing, or by wearing such as are better calculated for pro¬ 
moting the discharge from the skin, as clothes made of cotton, flan¬ 
nel, &c. 

The clothing ought likewise to be suited to the season of the - 
year. Clothing may be warm enough for summer, which is by 
no means sufficient for winter. The greatest caution, however, 
is necessary in making these changes. We ought neither to put off 
our winter clothes too .soon* nor to wear our summer ones too long. 
In this country, the winter often,sets in very early with great ri¬ 
gour, and we have frequently cold weather even after the com¬ 
mencement of the summer months. It would likewise be prudent 
not to make the change all at once, but do it gradually; and indeed. 
the changes, of apparel in this clih-nle ought to be very incoividera- 
-ble, especially among those who have passed the meridian of life*. 

Clothes often become hurtful by their being made subservient to 
the purposes of pride or vanity. Mankind in all ages seem to have 
considered clothes in this view; accordingly their fashion and figure 
have been continually varying, with very little regard either to 
health, the climate, or conveniency; a. farthingale, for example, 
may be very necessary in hot southern climates, but surely nothing 
can be more ridiculous in the cold regions of the north. 

Even the human shape is often attempted to be mended by dress, 
and those who know' no better believethat -mankind' would be mon¬ 
strous without its assistance. All attempts of this nature are highly 
pernicious. The most destructive of them in this country is that of 
squeezing the stomach and bowels into as narrow a compass as pos- 


* That colds kilt more than 1 plagues, is an oil' obfervatioh and, 
with regard to this country, it holds ltrictly true. Ever/ perion of dilcern- 
rnent, however, will perceive, that moil ot the colds which prove lo deltruc- 
nve to the inhabitants of Britain, are owing to thair imprudence in chang¬ 
ing clothes. A few warm days in March or April induce them to throw oil 
their winter garments, without conlidering that our molt penetrating c 1 a 
apcnerallv happen in the fpring. 






54 


OF SLEEP AND CLOTHING. 


$ible> to procure, what is falsely called, a fine shape*. By this prae* 
tice the action of the stomdch and bowels, the motion of the heart 
and lungs, and almost all the vital functions, are obstructed. Hence 
proceed indigestions, syncopes or fainting fits, coughs, consumptions' 
of the lungs, and other complaints so common among females. 

The feet likewise often suffer by pressure. How a small foot 
came to be reckoned genteel, 1 will not pretend to say; but certain 
it is, that this notion has made many persons lame. Almost nine- 
tenths of mankind are troubled with corns: a disease that is seldom 
or never occasioned but by strait shoes. Corns are not only very 
troublesome, but by rendering people unable to walk, they may 
likewise be considered as the remote cause of other diseasesf. 

Idle size and figure of the shoe ought certainly to be adapted to 
the foot. In children the feet are as w r ell shaped as the hands, and 
the motion of the toes as free and easy as that of the fingers; vet 
few persons in the advanced period of life are able to make any use 
of their toes. They are generally, by narrow shoes, squeezed all 
of a heap, and often laid over one another in such a manner as to be 
rendered altogether incapable of motion. Nor is the high heel less 
hurtful than the narrow toe. A lady may seem taller for walking on 
lier tiptoes, but she will never walk well in this manner. It strains 
her joints, distorts her limbs, makes her stoop, and utterly destroys all 
her ease and gracefulness of motion: it is entirely owing to shoes 
with high heels and narrow toes, that one female in ten can belaid 
to walk well. 


In fixing on the clothes, due care should be taken to avoid all, 
tight bandages. Garters, buckles, &c. when drawn too tight, not 
only prevent the free motiory and use of the parts about which 
they are bound, but likewise obstruct the circulation of the blood 
which prevents the equal nourishment'and growth of these parts, and' 
< evasions various diseases. Tig! * bandages about the neck, as stocks, 
cravats, necklaces, &:c. are extremely dangerous. They obstruct the 
blood in its course from the brain, by which means heah-achs, verti¬ 
goes, apoplexies, ano other fatal diseases are often occasioned 
The perfection of dress is to be easy and clean. Nothing can be 
more ridiculous, than for any one to make himself a slave to fine 
clothes. Such a one, and many such there are, would rather remain 
iixt as a statue mom morning till night, than discompose a single 
hair or alter the position of a pin. \Vere we to recommend any 
particular jnlern for dress, it would be that which is worn by the 
people called Quakers. They are always neat, clean, and often 
witkout ar.y thing superfluous. "What others lay out upon 
taw thy laces, ruffles, and ribands, they bestow upon superior clean- 


* This madoefs fibres to have pervaded the mines of mothers in event 
aye a.,u country. Terence, ui h.s Comedy of the Eunuch, ridicules the 
Jvmm.n matrons tor attempting to mend the (hape of their daughters ' 

, t £*>'*’’. f, ’ C P V'° n r' V'° are ren( ieted quite lame by the nails of their 
oes l, r .t mg grown into the befli, and freouemiv hear of mcHficarions 
cetomg from this canfe. AH thefe, and man, other inconveni^^tS! 
ln 0 h- icet, au., be.imputed folcly to tlie ute of (host and tlrait (hoes. 

liliCSS, 


OF INTE M P E R A N C E. 


53 

Uuess, Finery is only tlxc affectation of ckess, and very often co¬ 
vers a great deal of dirt. 

We shall only add, with regard to clothing, that, it ought not on¬ 
ly to be suited to the climate, the season of the year, and the period 
of life; but likewise to the temperature and constitution. Robust 
persons are able, to endure either cold or heat better than the deli¬ 
cate; consequently may be less attentive to their clothing. But 
the precise quantity of clothes necessary for any person cannot be 
determined by reasoning. It is entirely a matter of experience, 
and every man is the best judge for himself what quantity of clothes 
is necessary to keep him warm*. 


C H A P. VII. 

OF INTEMPERANCE, 

A MODERN authorf observes, that temperance and exercise 
are the two best physicians in the world. H' 1 might have 
added, that if these were duly regarded, there would be lit tie? occa¬ 
sion for any other. Temperance may justly be called the parent of 
health; yet numbers of mankind act as if they thought diseases and 
death too slow in their progress, and by intemperance and debauch 
seem as it were to solicit their approach. 

The danger of intemperance appears from (he very construction 
of tire human body. Health depends on that state of the solids and 
fluids which fits them for the due performance of the vital functions; 
and while these go regularly on, we are sound and well; but what¬ 
ever disturbs them necessarily impairs health. Intemperance never 
tails to disorder the whole animal osconoray; it hurts the digestion, 
relaxes the nerves, renders the different secretions irregular, viti¬ 
ates the humours, and occasions numberless diseases. 

The analogy between the nourishment of plants and animals af¬ 
fords a striking proof of the danger of intemperance. Moisture and 
manure greatly promote vegetation ; yet an over-quantity of either 
will entirely destroy it. The best things become hurtful, nay des¬ 
tructive, when carried to excess. Hence we learn, that (he high¬ 
est degree of human wisdom consists in regulating our appetites 
and passions so as to avoid all extremes. It is that chiefly which 
entitles us to the character of rational beings. The slave of appe¬ 
tite will ever be the disgrace of human nature. 

* The celebrated Boerhaav-e ufed to fay, that nobody buffered by cold ff.ve 
fools and beggars; the latter not being aide to procure clothes, and the for¬ 
mer not having fenfe to wear them. Be this as it may, I can with the 
Itcidreit truth declare, that in many cafes where the powers of medicine had 
been tried in vain, I have cured the patient by recommending thick Ihoes, 
a ha run l waifleoat and drawe-s, a pair of under (lockings, ora flannel petti¬ 
coat, to be worn during the cold feafon at lead. Where warmer clothing is 
wanted, I would recommend tke fleecy hofiery to be worn next the fkin. 

I Rouflt an. 


The 





56 


OF IN T E MPERANCE. 


The Author of Nature hath endued us with various passions, for 
the propagation of the species, the preservation of the individual* 
&c. Intemperance is the abuse of these passions; and moderation 
consists in the proper regulation of them. Men, noc contented with 
satisfying the simple calls of Nature, create artificial wants, and are 
perpetually in search after something that may gratify them; but 
imaginary* war ts can never be gratified. Nature is content with 
little; but luxury knows no bounds. Hence the epicure, the drunk¬ 
ard, and the debauchee seldom stop in their career till their money 
or their constitution fails: then indeed they generally see their er-. 
ror when too late. 

It is impossible to lay down fixed rules with regard to diet, on 
account of the different constitutions of mankind. The most igno¬ 
rant person, however, certainly knows what is meant by excess; 
and it is in the power of every man, if he chooses, to avoid it. 

The great rule of diet is to study simplicity. Nature delights in 
the most plain and simple food, and every animal, except man, fol¬ 
lows her dictates. Man alone riots at large, and ransacks the whole 
creation in quest of luxuries, to his own destruction. An elegant 
writer* of the last age, speaks thus of intemperance, ip diet: “ For 
my part, when I behold a fashionable table set out in all its mag- 
ni licence, I fancy that I see gouts and dropsies, fevers and lefhar- 
“ gies, with other innumerable distempers, lying in ambuscade a- 
“ mong the dishes.” 

Nor is intemperance in other tilings less destructive than in diet. 
How quickly does the immoderate pursuit of carnal pleasures, or 
the abuse of intoxicating liquors, ruin the best constitution! In¬ 
deed these vices generally go hand in hand. Hence it is that we 
so often behold the votaries of Bacchus and Venus, even before 
they have arrived at the prime of life, worn out with diseases, and 
hastening with swift pace to an untimely grave. Did men reflect on 
the painful diseases and premature deaths, which are daily occasion-, 
ed by intemperance, it would bo sufficient to make them shrink 
bar k with horror from the indulgence even of their darling pleasures* 
Intemperance does not hurt its votaries alone; the innocent too 
often feel the direful effects of it. How many wretched orphans 
are to he so m embracing dung-hills, whose parents, regardless of 
the future, spent in riot and debauch what might have served to., 
bring up their offspring in a decent manner! How often do we be¬ 
hold the mberable .mother, with her helpless infants, pining in want, 
while the cruel father is indulging his insatiate appetites! 

Families are not only reduced to misery, but even extirpated, by 
intemperance. Nothing tends so much to prevent propagation, 
and' shorten the live •. of children, as the intemperance of parents. 
The poor man who labours all day, and at night lies down content¬ 
ed with ni.s iiiHi >' * two, can boa>t a nu^necous odfsprinog while his 
pampered lord, sunk in ease and luxq.ry, often languishes without an 
heir to his ample fortunes. Even states and empires toed the influ¬ 
ence ©f intemperance, and rise eg fail as it prevails. 


A dili L'a^ 


Instead- 


57 


GF INTEMPERANCE. 


Instead of mentioning the different kinds of intemperance, and 
pointing out their influence upon health, we shall only, by way of 
example, make a few observations on one particular species of that 
vice, viz. the abuse of intoxicating liquors. 

Every act of intoxication puts nature to the cxpence of a fever, 
in order to discharge the poisonous draught. When this is repeat¬ 
ed almost every day, it is easy to foresee the consequences. That 
constitution must be strong indeed, which is able long to hold out 
under a daily fever! but fevers occasioned by drinking do not al¬ 
ways go off in a day ; they frequently end in an inflammation of the 
breast, liver, or brain, and produce fatal effects. 

Though the drunkard should not fall by an acute disease, he sel¬ 
dom escapes those of a chronic kind. Intoxicating liquors, when 
used to excess, weakeh the bow els and spoil the digestion; they 
destroy the power of the nerves, and occasion paralytic and con¬ 
vulsive disorders; they likewise heat and inflame the bibod, de¬ 
stroy its balsamic quality, render it unfit for circulation, and the nou¬ 
rishment of the body. Hence obstructions, atrophies, dropsies, and 
consumptions of the lungs. These are the common ways in which 
drunkards make their exit. Diseases of this kind, when brought on 
by hard drinking, seldom admit of a cure. 

Many people injure their health by drinking, who seldom get 
drunk. The continual habit of soaking, as it is called, though its 
effects be not so violent, is not less pernicious. When the vessels 
are kept constantly full and upon the stretch, the different digestions 
can neither be duly performed, nor the humours properly prepared: 
Hence most people of this character are afflicted with the gout, the 
gravel, ulcerous sores in the legs, &c. If these disorders do not 
appear, they are seized with low spirits, hypochondriacal affections, 
and other symptoms of indigestion. 

Consumptions are now so common, that it is thought one-tenth 
of the inhabitants of great towns die of that disease. Hard drink- 
big is no doubt one of the causes to which we must impute the in¬ 
crease of consumptions. The great quantities of viscid malt liquor 
drank by the common people of England, cannot fail to render the 
blood sizy and unfit for circulation; from whence proceed obstruc¬ 
tions, and inflammations of the lungs. There are few great alc- 
drinkers who are not phthisical: nor is that to be wondered at, con¬ 
sidering the glutinous and almost indigestible nature of strong ale. 

Those who drink ardent spirits or strong wines run still greater 
hazard; these liquors heat and inflame the blood, and tear the ten¬ 
der vessels of the lungs to pieces; yet so great is the consumption 
of them in this country, that one would almost be induced to think 
that the inhabitants lived upon them*. 

* We may form forr.c notion of the immenfe quantity of ardent fpirits 
Cpnfumcd in Great-Britain from this circumflar.ce, that in the city of Edin¬ 
burg- and its environs, beiides the great quantity rf foreign fpirits duly en¬ 
tered, and the flill greater quantity which is fuppofed to be fmuggled, it is 
computed that above two thoufand private (tills are conflantly employed hi 
preparing a poifonous liquor called Mot. asses. The common people have 
got fo univerfally into the habf of drinking this bale. fpirit, that when ex¬ 
porter or labourer is feen reeling along the (treats, they fay, he has got' 





Sh 


OF INTE MP ERANCE. 


The habit of drinking proceeds frequently from misfortunes 1st 
life. The miserable fly /o it. lor relief. It affords them indeed a 
temporary ease. But, alas! this solace is short lived; and when if 
is over, the Spirits sink as much below their usual tone as they had 
before been raised above it. Hence a repetition of the dose be¬ 
comes necessary, and every fresh dose makes way for another, till 
the unhappy wretch becomes a slave to the bottle, and at length 
tails a sacrifice to what at first perhaps was taken only as a medicine. 
No man is so dejected as the drunkard when his debauch is gone 
off. Hence it is, that (hose who have the greatest flow of spirits 
while the glass circulates freely, are of all others tjie most melan¬ 
choly when sober, and Often put an end to their own miserable ex¬ 
istence in a /it of spleen or ill humour. 

Drunkenness not only proves destructive to health, but likewise 
to the faculties of the mind. It is strange that creatures, who va¬ 
lue themselves on account of a superior degree of reason to that of 
brutes, should take pleasure in sinking so far below them. Were such 
as voluntarily deprive themselves of the use of reason, to continue 
ever after in that condition, it would seem but a just punishment. 
Though this be not the consequence of one act of intoxication, it 
seldom fails to succeed a course of it. By a habit of drinking, the 
gieacest genius is ofien deduced to a mere idiot*. 

Intoxication is peculiarly hurtful to young persons. It heats their 
blood, impairs (Heir strength, and obstructs (heir growth ; besides 1 , 
the frequent use of strong liquors in the early part of life destroys 
any benefit that might arise from them afterwards. Those who 
make a pact tee of chunking generous liquors when young, cannot 
expect to reap any benefit from them as a cordial in the decline of 
life. 

Drunkenness is not; only in itself a most abominable vice, but is 
an inducement to InaUy others'. Ther'e is hardly apy crime so hor¬ 
rid that the drunkard will not perpetrate for the love of liquor. 
We have known mothers sell theis children’s clothes, the food that 
they should have eat, and afterwards even the infants themselves, in 
Order to purchase the accursed draught. 

* It is amazing that our improvements in arts, learning, and politeneft, 
have not put the barbarous cufhom of drinking to excefs out of fathion. It 
is indeed lets common in South Britain than it was formerly ; but it ftill pre¬ 
vails very much in the North, where this relic of barbarity is ip {taken for 
ho/pitahty. There no man is fuppofed to entertain his giiefts well,who does 
not may them drunk. Forcing people to drink is certainly the greateil 
piece cf rudenels that any man can be guilty of. Manlinefs, complaifance' 
br mere good-nature, may induce a man to take his glais, if urged to it, at a 
time when he might as well take poiion. The cuttom of drinking to excef} 
lias long been out of faihion in France; and, as it begins to lofe ground 
nong the politer part of the Engliili, we hope it tv ill foon be bani (lied front. 
• ery part ©i this iiUlnd. 


ar 

c\ 


CHAP- 


{ 5? ) 

CHA P. VIII. 

OF CLEANL I 1SI E S S. 

* ' ; * V 1 

T IIE want of cleanliness is a fault which admits of no excuse. 

W here water can be had for nothing, it is surely in the power 
of every person to be clean. The continual discharge from our bo¬ 
dies by perspiration, renders frequent change of apparel necessary. 
Changing apparel greatly promotes the secretion from the skin, so 
necessary for health. When that matter which ought to be carried off 
by perspiration is either retained in the body, or resorbed from dirty 
clothes, it must occasion diseases. 

Diseases of .the skin are chiefly owing to want of cleanliness*. 
They may indeed be caught bv infection, or > brought on by poor 
Jiving, unw holesome food, &e. but (hey w ill scldc-in continue long 
where cleanliness prevails. ,To the same cause must we impute the 
various kinds of vermin which infest,the* human body , houses, &c. 
These may always be banished bv cleanliness alone, and wheievcr 
they abound, >ve have reason to believe it is neglected. 

One common cause of putrid and malignant fevers is the want cf 
cleanliness. These fevers, commonly begin among tl e inhabitants 
of close, dirty houses, , who breathe unwholesome air, take little ex¬ 
ercise, and wear dirty clothes. There the infection is generally 
hatched, which often spreads far and wide, to the destruction of 
many.. Hence cleanliness may he considered as an object of public 
attention. . It is not sufficient that I be clean myself, while the want 
of it in my neighbour affects my health, as well as his. If dirty peo¬ 
ple cannot be removed as a common nusance, they ought at least to 
be avoided as infectious, . All who regard their health should keep 
at a distance even from their habitations.. 

In places where great numbers .of people are collected, cleanli¬ 
ness becomes of the utmost importance. It is well know n-that in¬ 
fectious diseases are communicated bv tainted air. Every thii g, 
therefore, which tends to pollute the air, or spread the infection, 
ought with the utmost care to be guarded against. For this reason, 
in great towns, no filth, of any kind, should-be permitted to lie up¬ 
on the streets. Nothing is more apt to convey infection than the 
exc rements of the diseased. 

It many great towns the streets are little, better than dunghilh, 
being frequently covered with ashes, dung, and nastiness of every 
kind. Even slaughter-houses, or kiilin’g shambles, are often to be seen 
in the very centre of great towns. The putrid blood, excrements, &c. 

* Mr. Pot, in-his furgical obfervatiorts, mentions a difeafe which lie calls 
the chimney-fweeper’s cancer, as it is almoll peculiar to that 'unhappy fet of 
people. This he attributes to negleft of cleanlinels, ai d with great julinef;. 
I am convinced, that if that part cf the body which is the feat cf this enn 1 
difeafe was kept clean by frequent walking;, it would never happen. The 
climbing boys, as they are called, are cer+aiulv the moil .milerable wre-cbe't 
on the face cf the earth.; yet, for cleaning chirnnies, no iueli periods ate t e* 
Sccflary. , 




OF CLEANLINESS. 


•with which these places are generally covered, cannot fail to tai-hf 
the air, and render it unwholesome. How elsily might this be pre¬ 
vented by active magistrates, who have it always in their power to 
make proper laws relative to things of this nature, and to enforce 
the observance of them ! 

We are sorry to say, that the importance of general cleanliness 
does not seem to be sufficiently understood by the magistrates of 
most great towns in Britain; though health, pleasure, and delicacy, 
all conspire to recommend an attention to it. Nothing can be more 
agreeable to the senses, more to the honour of the inhabitants, or 
more conducive to their health, than a clean town; nor can any 
thing impress a stranger with a more disrespectful idea of any peo¬ 
ple than it's opposite. Whatever pretensions people may make to 
learning, politeness, or civilization, we will venture to affirm, that 
while they neglect cleanliness, they are in a state of barbarity*. 

The peasants in ’most countries seem to hold cleanliness in a sort 
of contempt. Were it not for the open situation of their houses, 
they would often feel the bad effects of this disposition. One sel¬ 
dom sees a farm house Without a dunghill before the door, and fre¬ 
quently the cattle and their masters lodge under the same roof. 
Peasants are likewise extremely careless with respect to change of 
apparel, keeping their houses, &c. clean,. This is merely the effect 
'of indolence and u dirty disposition. Habit may indeed render it 
less disagreeable to, them, but no habit can ever make it salutary to 
wear dirty clothes or breathe unwholesome air. 

As mcfhv articles of diet come through the hands of peasants, 
every method should be taken to'encourage and promote habits of 
cleanliness among them. This, for example, might be done by giv¬ 
ing a small premium to the person who brings the cleanest and best 
article of any kind to market, as butter, cheese, &c. and by punish¬ 
ing severely those who biing it dirty. The same method should be 
taken with butchers, bakers, brewers, and all who are employed m 
preparing the necessaries .of life. 

In camps the strictest regard should be paid to cleanliness. By 
negligence in this matter* infectious diseases are often spread amongst 
a whole army; and frequently more die of these than by the sword. 
The Jews, during their encampments m the wilderness, received 
particular instructions with respect to cleanliness^. The rules en- 

* Tn ancient Rome the great eft men did not think cleanliness ah oiijefl tnW 
worthy of their attention. Pliny fays, the Cloacae, cr common fewer* 
for the conveyance of filth and nalhnefs from the city, were the greateft of 
all the public works; and bellows higher encomiums upon Tarquiriius, Agrip- 
pa, and others who made and improved them, than on thole who achieved 
the greateft ecnqncils. 

H;wv truly great does the emperor Traian appear, when giving dirertioni 
to Fhny his protpnlul, concerning the making of a common fewer for the 
health and convenience of a conquered city ! 

i I hou lhalt have a place aliowithout the camp, whither thou (halt xo 
. orm abroad ; and thru lhalt have a paddle upon thy weapon'': and it tit all 
he when thr u lhalt eafe thvfelf abr« ad, d.ou lhalt dig therewith, and Audi 
t^rn paciv, ancltovcr tuat which'Cometh fro n thee, Sic. 

Deuter. chap, xx'ii. ver. 12, 13. 

joiheS 



of cleanliness; 


61 - 


joined them ought to be observed by all in the like situation. In¬ 
deed the whole system of laws delivered to that people has a mani¬ 
fest tendency to promote cleanliness. Whoever considers the na¬ 
ture of their climate, the diseases to which they were liable, and 
their dirty disposition, will see the propriety of such laws. 

It is remarkable that, in most eastern countries, cleanliness makes 
a great part of their religion. The Mahometan, as well as the 
Jewish religion enjoins various bathings, washings, and purifications. 
No doubt these might be designed to represent inward purity; but 
they were at the same time calculated for the preservation of health. 
However whimsical these washings may appear to some, few things 
would tend more to prevent diseases than a proper attention to ma¬ 
ny of them. Were every person, for example, alter visiting the 
sick, handling a dead body, or touching any thing that might con¬ 
vey infection, to wash before he went into company, or sat down to 
meat, he would run less hazard either of catching the infection him¬ 
self, or of communicating it to others. 

Frequent washing not only removes the filth and sordes which 
adhere to the skin, but likewise promotes the perspiration, braces 
the body, and enlivens the spirits* How refreshed, how cheerful, 
and agreeable does one feel on being shaved, washed, and shifted: 
especially when these olhees have been neglected longer than usual! 

The eastern custom of washing the feet, though less necessary in 
this country, is nevertheless a very agreeable piece of cleanliness, 
and contributes greatly to the preservation of health. The sweat 
and dirt with which these parts are frequently covered, cannot 
fail to obstruct the perspiration. This piece of cleanliness would 
often prevent colds and fevers. Were people careful to bathe their 
feet and legs in lukewarm water at night, after being exposed to 
cold or wet through the day, they would seldom experience the ill 
effects which often proceed from these causes. 

A proper attention to cleanliness is no where more necessary than 
on shipboard. If epidemical distempers break out there, no one 
can be safe. The best way to prevent them, is to take care that the 
whole company be cleanly in their clothes, bedding, 8:c. When in¬ 
fectious diseases do break out, cleanliness is the most likely means to 
prevent their spreading: it is likewise necessary to prevent their re¬ 
turning afterwards, or being conveyed fo other places, For this pur¬ 
pose, the clothes, bedding, &c. of the sick ought to bo carefully wash¬ 
ed, and fumigated with brimstone. Infection will lodge a long time in 
dirty clothe,?, and afterwards break out in the most terrible manner. 

In places where great numbers of sick people are collected toge¬ 
ther, cleanliness ought to be most religion lv observed. The very 
smell in such places is often sufficient to make one sick. It is easy 
to imagine what effect that is likely to have upon the diseased, in 
an hospital or infirmary, where cleanliness is neglected, a person in 
perfect health has a greater chance to become sick, than a sick per¬ 
son has to get well. 

Few tilings are more unaccountable than that neglect, or rather 
dread of cleanliness, which appears among those who have the care 
ef. the sick; they think it. almost criminal .to suffer any thing that is 

ciean . 





OF t N F E C T I O N. 


< lean to come near a person in a fever, for example, and would ra-- 
ther allow him to wallow in a!! manner of filth, than change the' 
least hit of his linen. If cleanliness be necessary for persons in 
health, it is certainly more so for the sick. Many diseases may be 
cured bv cleanliness alone; most of them might be mitigated by it; 
and, where it is neglected, the slightest disorders are often changed 
into the most malignant. The same mistaken care which prompted 
people lo prevent the least admission of fresh air to the sick, seems 
to have induced them to keep them dirty. Both these destructive 
prejudices will, we hope, be soon eradicated 

' Cleanliness is certainly agreeable to out nature. We cannot help 
approving it in others, even though we should not practice it our¬ 
selves. It sooner attracts our regard than even finery itself, and of- 
ten gains esteem where that fails. It is an ornament to the highest 
as well as to the lowest station, and cannot be dispensed with in 
either. Few virtues are of more importance to society than gene¬ 
ral cleanliness. It ought to be carefully cultivated every where j 
but in populous cities it should be almost revered*. 


C II A P. IX. 


OF INFECTIO N. 

vr. ANY diseases are infectious. Every person ought therefore, 
JL as far as he can, to avoid all communication with the diseas¬ 
ed. The common practice of visiting the sick, though often well 
meant, has many ill consequences. Far be it from me to discou¬ 
rage any act of charily or benevolence, especially towards those in 
distress; but I cannot help blaming such as endanger their own or 
their neighbours lives, by a mistaken friendship or an impertinent 
curiosity. 

1'he houses of the sick, especially in the country, are generally 
crowded from morning till night with idle visitors. " It is customary, 
in such places, for servants and young people to wait upon the sick 
by turns, and even to sit up with them all night. It would be a mi¬ 
racle indeed'should such always escape. Experience teaches us the 
danger of this conduct. People often catch fevers in this way, and 
communicate them to others, till at length ta«y become epidemic. 

A * 1 . . ' ’ * '' V f , • 

* As it is impoflible to be thoroughly dean without a fuflicient quantity of 
water, we would earned 1 /, r. commend it to the magi it rates of great towns to 
be particularly attentive to this article. Moil great tdwns in Britain are fo 
bunted as to be eydy tupplled with water ; and thofe perfons who will not 
iron, e a proper ui • of it, after it is brought to their hand, certainly deferve 
to be levered punifbed. The (treats of great towns, where water can be had, 
ought to named every day This is he only elb-.Tuai method for keeping 
them tlirv' ughly clear. ; and, upon trial, we are perfuatfed it will be found 
the cheapeft. - 1 

y, r.,_ tiie innft dreadiul diiestlcs incident to human nature might, in my 
opinion, be entirely eradicated by cleanliness. 

m •' , • VT I h 





OF INFECTION. 


6 a 


It would be thought highly improper for one who had not had 
the; small-pox, to wait upon a patient in that disease; yet many 
Other fevers are almost as infectious as the small-pox, and not less 
fatal. Some imagine that fevers prove more fatal in villages than 
in great towns, for want of proper medical assistance. This may 
sometimes be the case; but I am inclined to think it ofiener proceeds 
from the cause above mentioned. 

Were a plan to be laid down for communicating infection, it 
could not be done more effectually than by_the common method of 
visiting the sick. Such visitors not only endanger themselves and 
their connections, but likewise hurt the sick. By crowding the 
house they render the air unwholesome, and by their private whis¬ 
pers and dismal countenances disturb the imagination of the patient, 
and depress his spirits. Persons who are ill, especially in fevers, 
ought to be kept as quiet as possible. The sight of strange faces 
and every thing that disturbs the mind, hurts them. 

The common practice in country places of inviting great numbers 
of people to funerals, and crowding them into the same apartment 
\Vhere the corpse lies, is another way of spreading infection. Ti e 
infection does not always die with the patient Every thing that 
comes into contact with his body while alive, receives the contagion, 
and some of them, as clothes, blankets, &c. will retain it for a long 
time. Persons who die of infectious disorders ought pot to lie long 
unburied ; and people should keep as much as possible at a distance 
from them. 

It would tend greatly to prevent the spreading of infectious dis¬ 
eases, if those in health were kept at a proper distance from the sick. 
The Jewish Legislator, among many oilier wise institutions for pre¬ 
serving health, has been peculiarly attentive to the means of pre¬ 
venting infection, or defilement as it is called, either from a diseased 
person or a dead body. In many cases the diseased were to be s< pa- 
rated from those in health; and it was deemed a crime even to ap¬ 
proach their habitations. If a person only touched a diseased or 
dead body, he was appointed to vyash himself in water, and to keep 
for some time at a distance from society. 

Infectious diseases are often communicated by clothes. It is ex¬ 
tremely dangerous to wear apparel which has been worn by the dis¬ 
eased, unless it has been well washed and fumigated, as infection 
may lodge a tong time in it, and afterwards produce very tragical 
effects. This shews the danger of buying at random the clothes 
which have been worn by other people. 

Infectious disorders are frequently imported. Commerce, toge¬ 
ther with the riches of foreign climes, bring us also their diseases. 
These do often more than counterbalance all the advantages of that 
trade by means of which they are introduced. It is to be regretted, 
that so little care is commonly bestowed, either to prevent the in¬ 
troduction of 'spreading of infectious maladies, home attention in¬ 
deed is generally paid to the plague; but other diseases pass unre¬ 
garded*. Infection 

* Were the tenth part of the care taken to prevent the importation of chi- 

eafes, 




O F 


I N F E C T I O N. 


Infection is often spread through cities, by jails, hospitals, &c. 
These are frequently situated in the very middle of populous towns; 
and when infectious diseases break out in them, it is impossible for 
the inhabitants to escape. Did magistrates pay any regard to the 
health of the people, this evil might be easily remedied. 

Many are the causes which tend to diffuse infection through po¬ 
pulous cities. The whole atmosphere of a large town is one con¬ 
taminated mass, abounding with various kinds of infection, and 
must be penicious to health. The best advice that we can give to 
such as are obliged to live in large cities, is to chuse an open situa¬ 
tion; to avoid narrow, dirty, crowded streets; to keep their own 
house and offices clean; and to be as much abroad in the open air 
as their time will permit. 

It would tend greatly to prevent the spreading of infectious dis¬ 
eases, were proper nurses every where employed to take care of the 
sick. This might often save a family, or even a whole town, from 
being infected by one person. We do not mean that people should 
abandon their friends or relations in distress, but only to put them 
on their guard against being too much in company with those who 
are afflicted with diseases of an infectious nature. 

Such as wait upon the sick in infectious diseases run very great 
hazard They should stuff their noses with tobacco, or some other 
strong smelling herb, as rue, tansy, or the like. They ought like¬ 
wise to keep the patient very clean, to sprinkle the room where he 
lies with vinegar, of other strong acids, frequently to admit a stream 
of fresh air into it, and to avoid the smell of his breath as much as 
they can. Thev ought never go info company without having 
changed their clothes and washed their hands; otherwise, if the 
disease be infectious, they will in all probability carry the contagion 
along with them*. 


cafes, that there is to prevent fmuggling, it would be attended with many 
happy confequeuces. This might eafilybe done by appointing a phyfician at 
every confiderable fea port, to mfpect the fhip’s company, palfengers, &e. be¬ 
fore they came afhore, and, if any fever or other infectious diforder prevailed, 
to order the fhip to perform a fhort quarantine, and to fend the fick to fom* 
hofpial or proper place to be cured. He might likewife order all the clothes, 
bedding, be. which had been ufedby the fick during the voyage, to be either 
deilroyed, or thoroughly cleanfed by fumigation, be. before any of it were 
fent afhore. A fcheme of this kind, if properly conducted, would prevent 
many fevers, and other infectious difeafes, from being brought by failors in¬ 
to fea-port towns, and by this means diffufed all over the country, 

* There is reafonto believe that infection is often conveyed from one place 
to another bv the careleffhefs of the faculty thenffelves. Many phyficians 
affect a familiar way of fitting upon the patient’s bed-fide, and holding 
his arm for a confiderable time. If the patient has the fmall-pox, or any 
other infectious difeafe, there is no doubt but the doctor’s hands, clothes, 8tc. 
will carry away fome of the infection ; and, if he goes directly to vifft ano¬ 
ther patient without waffling his hands, changinghis clothes, orbeing expos¬ 
ed to the open air, which is not feldom the cafe, is it any wonder that he 
fljould carry the difeafe along with him ? Phyficians not only endanger others, 
but alfo themfelves, by this pvuciir.e. And indeed they fometimes fv.^'er for 
their want of care. 


However 




OF INFECT I O N. 


However trifling it may appear to inconsiderate persons, we will 
venture to affirm, that a due attention to those things which tend to 
diffuse infection would be of great importance in preventing dis¬ 
eases. As most diseases are in some degree infectious, no one should 
continue long with the sick, except the necessary attendance. I 
mean not, however, by this caution, to deter those whose duty or 
office leads them to wait upon the sick, from such a laudable and 
neccessaty employment. 

Many things are in the power of the magistrate which would 
tend to prevent the spreading of infection; as the promoting of 
public cleanliness; removing jails, hospitals, burying grounds, and 
other places where infection may be generateds at a proper distance 
from great towns*; widening the streets; pulling down useless 
walls, and taking all methods to promote a free circulation of air 
through every part of the town, &c. Public hospitals, or proper 
places of reception for the sick, provided they were kept clean, 
well ventilated, and placed in an open situation, would likewise 
tend to prevent the spreading of infection. Such places of recep¬ 
tion would prevent the poor, when sick, from being visited by their 
idle or officious neighbours. They would likewise render it unne¬ 
cessary for sick servants to be kept in their master’s houses.. Mas¬ 
ters had better pay for having their servants taken care of in an 
hospital, than run the hazard of having an infectious disease diffus¬ 
ed among a numerous family. Sick, servants and poor people, when 
placed in hospitals, are not only less apt to diffuse infection among 
their neighbours, but have likewise the advantage of being well at¬ 
tended. 

We are not, however, to learn that hospitals, instead of prevent¬ 
ing infection, may become the means of diffusing it. When they are 
placed in the middle of great towns; when numbers of patients are 
crowded together in small apartments; when there is a constant 
^communication kept up between the citizens and the patients; and 
when cleanliness and ventilation are neglected, they become nests 
for hatching diseases, and every one who goes into them not only 
runs a risk of receiving infection himself, but likewise of Commu¬ 
nicating it to others. This however is not the fault of the hospitals, 
but of those who have the management of them. It were to be 
wished, that they were both more numerous, and upon a more re¬ 
spectable footing, as that would induce people to go into them with 
Jess reluctance. This is the more to be desired, because most of the 
putrid fevers and other infectious disorders break out among the 
poor, and are by them communicated to the better sort. Were pro¬ 
per attention paid to the first appearances of such disorders, and the 
patients early conveyed to an hospital, w r e should seldom see a pu¬ 
trid fever, which is almost as infectious as the plague, become epi¬ 
demic. 


* The ancients would not fuller even the temples of theirgods, where the 
r*fort9d, to be built within the walls of a city. 


C H A t. 


( 66 ) 

tM|| : f 4 B , C H A P. X. 

OFT H E PASSION S. 

1 ''HE passions have great influence both in the cause arid cure oi 
JL diseases. How the mind affects the body, will in all proba¬ 
bility ever remain a secret. Ir is sufficient for us to know,; that there 
is established a reciprocal influence between the mental and corpo¬ 
real parts, and that whatever injures the one disorders the other. 

Of Anger. 

The passion of anger ruffles the mind, distorts the countenances, 
hurries on the circulation of the blood, and disorders the whole vi¬ 
tal and animal functions. It often occasions fevers, and other acute 
diseases; and sometimes even sudden death. This passion is pecu¬ 
liarly hurtful to the delicate, and those of weak nerves.; I have 
known such persons frequently lose th'ei'r lives by a violent fit of an¬ 
ger, and would advise them to guard against the excess of this pas¬ 
sion with the utmost care. ' , 

. It is not indeed always in oiir power to prevent being angry; but 
we may surely avoid harbouring resentment in our breast. Resent¬ 
ment preys, upon the mind, and occasions the most obstinate chro- 
ideal disorders, which gradually was'e the constitution. Nothing 
shews true greatness of mind more than, to forgive injuries; it pro¬ 
motes the peace of society, and greatly conduces to our own ease, 
health, and felicity. 

Such as value health should avoid violent gusts of anger, as they 
would the most deadly poison. Neither ought they to indulge re- 
sen(nx;nt, but to endeavour at all times to keep their minds calm 
and serene. Nothing tends so much to the health of the body as a 
coils tarityfyinquillily of mind'. 


Of Fear . 

I he influence of fear, both in occasioning and aggravating disy 
cases > very great No man ought to he blamed for a decent con- 
tern about life: but too great a desire to preserve it isofi.cn the cause 
of losing it., fear and anxiety, by depressing the spirits, not only 
dispose us to diseases, but. often render those diseases fatal which an 
undaunted mind would overcome. 

Sudden fear has generally violent effects. Epileptic fits, and other 
convulsive disorders, arc often occasioned by it. Hence thedanger 
of that prac tice, so common among young people of frightening one 
another.. Many have lost their lives, and others have been ren¬ 
dered miserable, by frolics of this kind It is dangerous to tamper 
yyi!h the human passions. The mind may easily be thrown into such 
disorder as never again to act with regularity. 1 But 


OF THE P A s's I 6 N S. 


€‘ 


But the gradual effects of fear prove most hurtful. The constant 
dread of some future evil, by dwelling upon the mind, often occa¬ 
sions the very evil itself. Hence it comes to pass, that so many die 
ot those very diseases of which they long had a dread, or winch 
had been impressed on their minds ( by some accident, or foolish pre¬ 
diction. This, for example, is often the case with women in child¬ 
bed. Many of those who die in that situation are impressed with a 
notion of their death a long time before it happens ; and there is rea¬ 
son to believe that this impression is often the cause of it. 

''TM... _il’Ij . .1 _ . • . h • • 1 r 



though many 

it; which may be thus accounted for. A woman after delivery, 
finding herself weak arid exhausted, immediately apprehends she is 
in danger ; but this fear seldom fails to obstruct the necessary evacua¬ 
tions, upon which Her recovery depends. . Thus the sex often fall a 
sacrifice to their own imaginations, when there would be no danger, 
did they apprehend none. 

It seldom happens that two or three women in a great town die 
in child-bed, but their death is followed bv many others. Every 
woman of their acquaintance who is with child dreads the same fate, 
and the. disease becomes epidemical by the mere force of imagina¬ 
tion. Th is should induce pregnant women to despise fear, and by 
'all means to avoid those tattling gossips who are continually buzzing 
in their ears the misfortunes of others. Every thing that may in the 
least alarm a pregnant or child-bed weftnan, ought with thegrea.es: 
care to be guarded against. 

Many women have lost their lives in child-bed.by the old supersti¬ 
tious custom, still kept up in most parts of Britain, of tolling the 
parish bell for every person who dies. People who think themselves 
in danger are very inquisitive ; and if they come toknpw that the bell 
tolls for one who died in the same situation w ith themselves, what 
must be the consequence ?. At any rate they are apt to suppose that 
this is the case, and it will often be found i very difficult matter to 
persuade them of the contrary* ,, • .. 

But this custom is not pernicious to chiP-bed women only. It is 
hurtfulin many other cases. When low fevers in which it is difficult 
to suppolt the patient^ spirits, prevail, what must be the effect of a 
funeral peal sounding five or six times a day in his ears ? No doubt 
his imagination will suggest that others efted of the same disease 


under which he labours. This apprehension will have .a.greater ten¬ 
dency to depress his Spirits', than all the cordials of which medicine 
can boast will have to raise them. 

If this useless piece of ceremony cannot be abolished, we ought 
to keep, the sick as much from homing it as possible;, and from every 
other thing that nray tend to alarm them.,. So far however is this 
ft omb cuig generally attended to, that many make it their business to 
visit the sick, on purpose to whisper dismal stories m their ear'. 
Such may pass for sympathizing friends, but they ought.rat her to be 
considered as enemies. All who wish well to the sick ought to keep 


such, persons at the greatest distance from them. 

M 


A custom 



*68, O F T H E PASSI0 N S. 

A custom has long prevailed among physicians of .prognosticating:, 
as they call it, the patient’s fate. Or foretelling the issue of the disease 
Vanity no doubt introduced this practice, and still supports it, in 
spite of common sense and the safety of mankind. I have known a 
physician barbarous enough to boast, that he.pronoilneed more sen¬ 
tences than all his Majesty’s judges. Would to God that such sen¬ 
tences Were not often equally fatal! It may indeed be alledged, 
that tke doctor does not declare his opinion before the patient. So 
much the Worse. A sensible patient had better hear what the doc¬ 
tor says, than learn it from the disconsolate looks, the watery eyes, 
and the broken whispers of those about him. It .seldom happens, 
when the doctor gives an unfavourable opinion, that it edn be con¬ 
cealed from the patient. The very embarrassment which theTriends 
and attendants shew in disguising what he has said, is generally suf¬ 
ficient to discover the truth. 

Kind Heaven has, for the wisest finds, concealed from mortals 
their fate; and We do net see w hat right any-man lias to announce 
the death of another, especially if such a declaration has a'chance 
to kill him. Mankind are indeed very fond of prying into future 
events, and seldom fail to solicit the physician for his opinion. A 
doubtful answer, however, or one that may tend rather to encou¬ 
rage the hopes of the sick, is surely tile most proper. This conduct 
could neither hurt the patient nor the physician. Nothing tends 
more to destroy the credit of physic than those bold.prognosticators, 
who, by the bye, are generally fire most ignorant of the faculty. 
The mistakes which daily happen in tin’s way are so many standing 
proofs'of human 'vanity, and the weakness of science. 

We readily admit, that there are cases where the physician'ought 
to give intimation of the patient’s danger to some of his hear con¬ 
nections; though-even this ought always to be done with the great¬ 
est caution: but it never can be necessary in any case that the 
■whole town and country should know,'immediately after the doctor 
has made his ■•first visit, that he has no hopts of His patient's'recovery. 
Persons whose impertinent curiosity leads them to question the phy¬ 
sician, with regard to the fate of his patient, certainly deserves no 
other than an evasive answer. 

The vanity of foretelling the fate of the sick is not peculiar to the 
"faculty. Others follow their example, and those who think thern- 
seh r es wiser than their neighbours often do much hurt in this way. 
Humanity surely calls upon every one to comfort the sick, and nojt 
to add to their affliction by alarming their fears. A friend, or even 
a physician, may often do more good by a mild and sympathizing 
behaviour than by medicine, and should never neglect to admini¬ 
ster that greatest of all cordials, Hope. 


Of Grief. 

Grief is the most destructive of all the passions. Its effects arc 
permanent: and when it sinks deep into the mind, it generally 
proves fatal. Anger and fear, being of a more violent nature, sel¬ 
dom. 


/ 


O F THE PASSION S. 


69 


c$om last long; but grief often changes into a fixed melancholy, 
which preys upon the spirits, and wastes the constitution. This 
passion ought not to be indulged. It may generally be conquered 
at the beginning; but when it has gained strength, aH attempts to 
remove it are vain* 

No person can prevent misfortunes in life; hut it shews true 
greatness of mind to bear them with serenity. Many persons make 
a merit of indulging grief, and when misfortunes happen, they ob¬ 
stinately refuse all consolation, till the mind, overwhelmed with me¬ 
lancholy,.. sinks under the load. Such conduct is not only-destruc¬ 
tive to ^health, but inconsistent with reason, religion, and common ' 
sense. > 

Change.of ideas is as necessary for health as change of posture.. 
When the mind dwells long upon one, subject, especially of a dis-- 
agreeable nature, it hurts the whole functions of the body. Hence 
grief indulged spoils the digestion add, destroys the appetite; by 
which means the spirits are depressed, the nerves relaxed, the bow¬ 
els inflated with wind, and the humours, for want of fresh supplies 
of chyle, vitiated.' Thus many an excellent constitution has been 
ruined bga family misfortune, or any thing that occasions excessive 
grief. 

It is utterly impossible that any person of a dejected mind should 
enjoy health. Life may,indeed be dragged out for a few years; 
but whoever would live to a good old age, must be good humoured 
and cheerful. This indeed is not altogether in. our own power; yet 
our temper of mind, as well as our actions, depend greatly,upon 
ourselves. We can either associate with cheerful or melancholy 
companions* mingle in the amusements and offices in life, or.sit still 
and brood over our calamities as we choose. These, and many, 
such things, are-certainly in- our po.wer, and from these the. m ind . 
generally takes its cast., L 

The variety of-scenes which 'present themselves to the senses, 
were certainly designed to prevent our attention from being too 
long fixed upon any one object. Nature abounds with variety, 
and the mind, unless fixed down by habit, delights in contemplating 
new objects. This- at once,points out the method of relieving the 
mind in distress. Turn the, attention, frequently to new-objects. 
Examine them for some time. When the, mind begins to re-oif 
shift the scene. By this means a constant succession of new .ideas 
may be kept up, till the disagreeable ones entirely disappear. Thus 
travelling, the study of any art or science, reading, or writing on 
such subjects as deeply engage the attention, will sooner expel 
grief than the most sprightly amusements. 

It has already been observed, that the body,cannot be healthy 
unless.it be exercised ; neither can the mind. Indolence nourishes 
grief. When the .mind has nothing else to think of but calamities, 
no wonder that it dwells there* Few.people who pursue business 
with attention are hurt by grief. Instead therefore of abstractin 
ourselves from the world or business when misfortunes Happen, w 
ought to engage in it with more than usual attention, to di charge 
with double diligence the functions of our station, and to mix with 
friends of a cheerful and social temper. Innocent .. 


be o 


70 . 


o E T IE E P A S SIGNS. 



Sonv; persons- when overwhelmed with grief, betake themselves 
to drinking. This is making the cure worse than the disease. > It, 
-cl-iom fails to end in the ruin of fortune, character, and constitu- 

' tion. 


Of , Lo 


VC .. 


Love is perhaps the strongest of all the passions; at least, 
it becomes violent, it is Jess subject to the controui.either of the 
understanding or will, than any of the. rest, hear, anger, ana s J vt ~ 
fal other passions, are necessary for the preservation of the nidivi- 
duai, but love is necessary for the continuation of the species itself. 
it was therefore proper that this passion should be deeply rooted in 
tiie human breast- 

Though love be a strong passion, it is seldom so rapid in its pio- 
gre'is as'several of the others. Few persons fall desperately in lo\ c 
all at once. We would therefore advise everyone, before he tam¬ 
per': with this passion, to consider well the probability of his being A 
able to obtain the object of his wishes. When that is not likely,^ 
lie should avoid every occasion of increasing it. He ought imme¬ 
diately to fine the company of the beloved object; to apply hfc . 



power to obtain, 


There Is no passion with which people are so ready to tamper as > 
Jove, although none is more dangerous. Some men make love for 
amusement, others from mere vanity, or op purpose to shew their 
<‘Onsequence with the fair. This is perhaps the greatest piece of 
cruelty which any one can be guilty of. What vye eagerly wish-for 
vie easily credit.' lienee the too credulous tair are often betrayed 
into a situation which is truly deplorable, before they are able to 
discover that the pretended lover was only in jest. But there is no 
jesting with this passion. When love has got to a certain height, it 
admits of no other cure but the possession of its object, vyhieh in 
this case ought always, if possible, to be obtained*. 


■“ The conduct of parents with regard to the difpofal of their, children in 
marriage is often very blameable. An advantageous match is the conflant 
a’m of parents ; while their children often fuffer a real martyrdom betwixt 
vlv iv i 'cfina-ions and duty. The firft thing which parents ought to confult 
i i difpofihg their children in marriage, is certainly their inclinations. Were 
tine regard always paid to thefe, there would be fewer unhappy couples, and 
parents would not have fo often caufe to repent the feverity of their conduct, 
f ruined conftitution, a loft cnaratter, or a diftra&ed mind, has (hewn 
v . ni ihcir miftake. 


Of 


QF THE COMMON EVACUATIONS. 74 . 

Of Religious Melancholy. 

Many persons of a religious turn of mind behave as if they 
thought it a crime to be cheerful. They imagine the whole of re¬ 
ligion consists in certain mortifications, or denying themselves the 
smallest indulgence, even of the most innocent amusements. A 
perpetual gloom hangs over their countenances, while the deepest 
melancholy preys upon their minds. At length the fairest prospects 
vanish, every thing puts on a dismal appearance, and those very ob¬ 
jects which ought to give delight, afford nothing but disgust. Life 
itself becomes a burden, and the unhappy wretch, persuaded that 
no evil can equal what lie feels, often puts an end to Ins miserable 
existence. 

It is great pity that ever religion should be so farperverted, as to 
become the cause of those very evils which it was designed to cure. 
Nothing can be better calculated than True Religion, to raise and 
support the mind of its votaries under every affliction that can befal 
therm It teaches men that even the sufferings of this life are pre¬ 
paratory to the happiness of tlie next; and that all who persist in 
a course of virtue shall at length arrive at complete felicity. 

Persons whose business it is to recommend religion to of hers, 
should beware of dwelling too much on gloomy subjects. That 
peace and tranquillity of mind, which true religion is calculated to 
inspire, is a more powerful argument in its favour than all the ter¬ 
rors that can be uttered. Terror may indeed deter men from out¬ 
ward acts of wickedness, but can never inspire them wiui that love 
pf God, arid real goodness of heart, in which alone true religion 
consists. 

To conclude; the best way to counteract the violence of any 
passion, is to keep the mind closely engaged in some useful pur¬ 
suit, 

v < 


C H A P. XI. 

OF THE COMMON EVACUATIONS. 

qnHE principal evacuations from the human body are those by 
JL stool, urine, and insensible perspiration. None of these can be 
long obstructed without impairing the health. When that which 
ought to be thrown out of the body is too long retained, it not only 
occasions a plethora , or too great fulness of the vessels, but acquires 
nullities which are Hurtful to the health, as acrimony, putrescence, 
&:c. 


Of< the Evacuation by Stool. 


Few things conduce 
far. When the f<sces 


more to health than keeping the body regu- 
Jie too long in the bowels, they vitiate tlie 


humours; 



72 OF THE COMMON EVACUATIONS: 

immonirs; and when they are too soon discharged, the b#dy is net 
sufficiently aocrisibetl. A medium is therefore to be desired, which 
can only fee obtained fey regularity in diet, sleep, and exercise. 
Whenever the. body is not regular, there is reason to suspect a fault 
in one or other, of-these.. 

Persons who eat, ami drink at irregular hours,and who eat various 
kinds of food* and drink of several different liquors at every meal, 
have no.reason to expect either that their digestion will be good, or 
their discharges regular. Irregularity in eating and drinking dis¬ 
turbs every part of the animal ceconomy, and never fails to occasion 
diseases. Either too much or too little food will have this effect. 
The former indeed generally occasions looseness, andihe latter cos- 
iiveness; tut. both have a tendency to hurt the health. 

It would fee difficult to ascertain the exact number of stools 
which may fee consistent with health, as these differ in the different 
periods of life, in. different constitutions, and even in the same con¬ 
stitution under a different regimen of diet, exercise, &c. It is how¬ 
ever generally allowed, that one stool a day is sufficient for an adult, 
and that less is hurtful. But this, like most general rules, admits of 
many exceptions. I have known persons in perfect health who drdf 
not go to stool above once a-week*. Such a degree of costiveness 
however is not safe; though the person who labours under it may 
for some time enjoy tolerable health, yet at length it may occasion 
diseases. 

One method of procuring a stool every day is to rise betimes, and 
go abroad in the open air. Not only the posture in bed is unfa¬ 
vourable to regular stools, but also the warmth. This, by promot¬ 
ing the perspiration, lessens all the other discharges. 

The method recommended for this purpose by Mr. Locke is like¬ 
wise very proper, viz. to solicit nature , In/ going regularly to stool every 
morning whether ohe has a call or not. Habits of this kind may. be 
acquired, which will in time become natural. 

Persons who have a frequent recourse to medicines for prevent¬ 
ing costiveness seldom fail to ruin their constitution. Purging me¬ 
dicines frequently repeated weaken the bowels, hurt the digestion, 
and every dose makes way.for another* till at, length they become as 
necessary as daily bread. Those who are doubled with costiveness 
ought rather, if possible, to remove it by. diet than drugs. They 
should likewise go thinly cloathed, and avoid every thing of an as¬ 
tringent or of an heating nature.. The diet and other regimen ne¬ 
cessary in this case will be found under the ar ticle. Cost iveness, where 
this state of the bowels is treated as a disease. 

Such persons as are troubled with an habitual looseness ought 
likewise to suit their diet to the nature of their complaint. They 
should use food which braces.and strengthens the bowels, and which 
is rather of an astringent quality, as wheat-bread made of the finest 
flour, cheese, eggs, rice boiled in milk, &c. Their drink should be 
red port, claret, brandy and water, in which toasted bread has been., 
boiled, and such like.. 

* Some perform have told me that they did not vo to ffool above-once a 
month. Ac 


OF THE COMMON EVACUATIONS. 

As an habitual looseness is often owing to an obstructed perspira- 
TloTi, p ersons affected with it ought to keep their feet ware;, to 
wear flannel next their skin, and take every other method to pro¬ 
mote the perspiration. Further directions with regard to the treat¬ 
ment s of this complaint will be found under the article Looseness. 

Of Urine „ 

So many things tend to change both the quantity and appearance 
of the urine, that it is very difficult to lay down any determined 
rules for judging of'either*. Dr. ‘Cheyne says, the urine ought t6 
be equal to three-fourths of the liquid part of our aliment. But 
suppose any one were to take the trouble of measuring both, he 
would find that every thing w hich altered the degree of perspira¬ 
tion, would alter this proportion, and likewise that different kinds 
6f aliment would aff ord very different quantities of urine. Though 
for these, and other reasons, no rule can be given for judging of the 
precise quantity of urine which ought to be discharged, yet a per¬ 
son of common sense will seldom be at a loss to know when it is 
in either extreme. 

As a free discharge of urine not only prevents but actually cures 
many diseases, it ought by all means to be promoted; and every 
thing that may obstruct it should be carefully avoided. Both the 
secretion and discharge of urine are lessened by a sedentary life, 
sleeping on beds that are too soft and warm, food of a dry and heat¬ 
ing quality, liquors Which are astringent and heating, as red port; 
elaret, and such like. Those who have tea son to suspect that their 
urine is in too small quantity, or who have any symptoms of the 
gravel, ought not only to avoid these things, but whatever else they 
find has a tendency to lessen the quantity of their urine. 

When the urine is too long retained, it is not only resorbed, or 
ffken up again into the mass of fluids, but by stagnating in the 
iadder it becomes thicker, the more watery parts flying off first, 
lad the more gross and earthy remaining behind. By the constant 
tendency which these have to concrete, the formation of stones and 

* It has long been an obfervartion among phyficians, that the appearances 

the tirine are very uncertain, and very little to be depended on. No one 
*vill be furprized at this who confider's how many ways it may be affe&ed, 
ind confequently have its appearance altered. The paflions, the flate of 
the atmofphere, the quantity andqualitV of the food, the exercife, the cloth¬ 
ing, the flate of the other evacuations, and numberlefs other caufes, are iuf- 
ficient to induce a change either in the quantity or appearance of the urine. 
Any one who attends to this will be altcnifhed at the impudence of thol^ 
daring quacks, who pretend to find out difeafes, and prefcribe to patients, 
frem the bare infpeftion of their urine. .Thefe impoftors, however, are very 
common all over Britain, and, by the amazing credulity of the populace, 
many of them amal's confiderable fortunes. Of all the medical prejudices 
which prevail in this country; that in favour ©f urine doctors is title 
ftiongeft. The common people have ftill an unlimted faith in their {kill, 
although it has been demonftrated that no one of them is able to diftinguilb 
the unne of aiiorfe, or any oth<>- animal, from that of a man. 

grave 1/ 


t ** 


OF THE bOMMON EVACUATIONS. 


travel ill the bladder is promoted. Hence ft comes to pass that in- 
dolcnt and sedentary people are much more liable to these diseases, 
than persons of a more active life. 

Many per ons have lost their lives, and other? have brought on 
verv tedious, and even incurable disorders by retaining their urine 
too long, from a false delicacy. When the bladder has been over- 
distended, if often loses its power\of action altogether, or becomes 
paralytic. In which means it is rendered unable either to retain the 
urine’,'or‘expel it properly. The calls of nature ought never to be 
postponed. DeBcaey iWdoubtless a virtue, but that can never be 
reckoned true delicacy, which induces any one to risk his health or 
hazard his life. ; 

But the urine may be in too gredt as well as too small a quantity. 

' This may be occasioned by drinking large quantities of weak wate¬ 
rs liquors, by the excessive use of alkaline salts, or any thing that 
stimulatesThe,kidules dilutes the blood, &c. This disorder very 
soon weal tens the body, and induces a consumption. It is difficult 
to c iVre, but may be .mitigated by strengthening diet and astringent 
medicine-;, such as are recommended under the article Diabetes, oV 
excessive discharge of urine. 

' + 

Of the Perspiration* 

fnsrr. ibie perspiration' is generally reckoned the greatest of ail 
'ihe di>< .lunges from theLyman Body. It is of so great importance 
to health, that few dBWWes attack us while it goes properly on; but 
v lien .t i. o rsti inded, tee wnoie frame ;s soon disordered. I hiy? 
discharge ho\veV<rr : , fyjing'less, perceptible than any of the rest, is 
‘consequently less hileuded t-b. Henc'e it i?, that acute fevers, rheur 
'mad sing agues, ''Ztif. ‘often proceed from, obstructed perspiration be- 
foie we arc avVafe’oi its having taken place. , t 

On examining pattdrftjf, we find most of (hem impute their dis¬ 
eases either to violent a olds which they had caught, or 'to slight opes 
which had been neglected. For this reason, instead of a critical 
Inquiry into the nature of the perspiration, its difference in diffe¬ 
rent seasons, climates*, Constitutions, &c. we shall endeavour to 
point.out the causes Which most commonly obstruct it, and to shew 
how far they mav either Be avoided, or have their influence coun¬ 
teracted by timely care. The want of a due attention to these*, 
costs Britain annually some thousands of useful lives. 


Changes in the Atmosphere. 

One* of the most common causes of obstructed perspiration, <jr 
c atching c old, in this country, is the changeableness of the weather, 
or state of the atmosphere. There is no place Where such changes 
happen more frequently than in Great-Britain. With us the de¬ 
grees of heat and cold are not only very different in the different 
seasonof the year, but often change almost from one extreme to 

another 


OF THE COMMON EVACUATIONS. 


/,) 


another in a few days, and sometimes even in the course of one day. 
That such changes'mast affect the state of the perspiration is obvi¬ 
ous to every one*. 

The best method of fortifying the body against the changes of 
the weather, is to bo abroad every day. J Those who keep 5 most 
within doors are most liable to catch colds. Such persons general¬ 
ly render themselves so delicate as to feel even the slighesi changes 
m the atmosphere, and by their pains, coughs, and oppressions b£ 
the breast, &c, they become a kind of jiving barometers. 

7 Vet Clothes. 

Wet clothes not only by .their coldness obstruct the perspiration, 
but their moisture, by being absorbed, or taken up into the bodv, 
greatly increases the danger. The most robust constitution is not 
proof against the danger arising from wet clothes; they daily occa¬ 
sion fevers, rheumatisms, and other fatal disorders, even in die young 
and healthy. 

It is impossible for people who frequently go abroad to avoid some¬ 
times being wet. But the danger might generally be lessened, if 
not wholly prevented, by changing their clothes soon; when this 
cannot be done, they should keep in motion till they be dry. So far 
.are many from taking this‘precaution, that, they often sit. or be down 
in the fields with their clothes wet, and frequently sleep even whole 
nights in this condition. The frequent instances which we have of 
the fatal effects of this conduct* ought certainly to deter all from be¬ 
ing guilty of it. 

Wet Feet . 

Even wet feet often occasion fatal diseases. The cholic, inflam¬ 
mations of the breast and of the bowels, the iliac passion, choterti 
morbus , &c. are often occasioned by wet feet. Habit will, no doubt, 
render this less dangerous; but it ought, as far as possible, to, be 
avoided. The delicate, and those who are not accustomed to have 
their clothes or feet wet, should be peculiarly careful in tins respect. 


Mght Air. 

* ; , . : A > 

The perspiration is often, obstructed by night air; even in sum¬ 
mer, this ought to be avoided. The dews which fall plentifully af- 

* I never knew a more remarkable alliance of the uncertainty of the wea¬ 
ther in this country, than happened .when I was writingihele notes. This 
morning, Aug. 14, 1783, the thermometer in the thane was down at fifty- 
three degrees, and a very few minutes ago it .flood above eighty. No one 
who reliefs’on fuch great and fudclen changes in the Vr Sphere, wfi be 
furprized to find odds, coughs, rheums, with other ailcihior.:. of the b re aft 
and. bowels, fo common in this country. 

Sf ter 


/ o Ui 1 1 tin, l UMiUUiN la V l V x 


ter the hottest day, make the night more dangerous than when the 
weather is cool. Hence, in warm countries, the evening dews are 
more hurtful than where the climate is more temperate. 

It is very agreeable after a warm day to be abroad in a cool even¬ 
ing; but this is a pleasure to be avoided by all who value their 
health. The effects of evening .dews are gradual indeed, and al¬ 
most imperceptible; but they are not tlie less to be dreaded: we 
would therefore advise travellers, labourers, and all who are much 
heated by day, carefully to avoid them. When the perspiration has 
been great, these become dangerous in proportion. By not attend¬ 
ing to this, in flat marshy countries, where the exhalations and dews 
are copious, labourers are often seized with intermitting fevers, 
quinseys, and other dangerous diseases. 

Damp Beds . 


Beds become damp, either from their not being used, standing I*t 
damp houses, or in rooms without me, or from the linen not being 
dry when laid on the bed. Nothing is more to be dreaded by tra¬ 
vellers than damp beds, which are very common in all places where 
fuel is scarce. When a traveller, cold and wet, arrives at an inn, he 
may by means of a good fire, warm diluting liquor, and a dry bed, 
have the perspiration restored; but if he be put into a cold room;’ 
and laid in a damp bed, it will be more obstructed; and the worst 
consequent es will ensue. Trav ellers should avoid inns which are 
noted for damp beds, as they would a house infected with the plague*, 
as no man, however robust, is a p;oof against the danger arising 
from them. 

But inns are not the only places where damp beds are to be met 
wit'll. Betis kept in private mm dies for the reception of strangers 
are often equally dangerous. Ail kinds oi linen and bedding, when, 
not frequently meet, become damp. How then is it possible that 
beds, which a id not slept in above two or three times a year, should 
be safer Nothing is more common than to hear people complain of 
having caught cold by charging their bedim The reason is obvious.* 
♦were they careful never to sleep in a bed but what was frequently 
wed, they woiild seldom find any ill consequences from a change. 

Nothing is more to be dreaded by ? delicate person when on a visit, 
than being laid m a bed which is kept on purpose for strangers, 
i hat lii-judged piece of complaisance becomes a real injury. All 
the bad consequences horn this quarter might easily be prevented iii 
private families, by causing their servants to sleep in the spare beds, 
ana resign them so strangers when they come. In bins, vvhere the 
beds are used almost every night, nothing else is necessary than to 
keep the rooms well seasoned by frequent fires, and the linen dry. 

i nyt baneiui custom said to be practised in many inns, of damp- 
mg sheets, and piessiiig them in order to save washing, and after- 
vvaras laying them on tne beds, ought, when discovered, to be pu- 
mshed with the utmost severity. It is really a species of murder 
ai.u Um often prove as fatal as poison or gun-shot. Indeed linen 

especially 


OF THE COMMON EVACUATIONS. 75 

especially if it has been washed in winter, ought not to be used till it 
has been exposed for some time to the fire j nor is this operation less 
necessary for linen washed in summer, provided it has lain by for 
ahy length of time. This caution is the more needful, as gentle¬ 
men are often exceedingly attentive to what they eat or drink at an 
inn, yet pay no regard to a circumstance «f much more importance*. 

Damp Houses . 

Damp houses frequently produce the like ill consequences; for 
this reason those who build should be careful to chuse a dry situa¬ 
tion. A house which stands on a damp marshy soil or deep clay, 
will never be thoroughly dry. All houses, unless where the ground ' 
is exceeding dry, should have the first floor a little raised. Servants 
and others, who are obliged to live in cellars and sunk stories, sel¬ 
dom continue long in health: masters ought surely to pay some re¬ 
gard to the health of their servants, as w r eli as to their own. 

Nothing is more common than for people, merely to avoid some 
trifling inconveniency, to hazard their lives, by inhabitijng a house 
almost as soon as the masons, plaisterers, &c. have done with it: 
such houses are not only dangerous from their dampness, but like¬ 
wise from the smell of lime, paint, &c. Tne asthmas, consump¬ 
tions, and other diseases of the lungs, so incident to people who 
work in these articles, are sufficient prqofs of' their being unwhole¬ 
some. 

Rooms are often rendered damp by an unseasonable piece of 
cleanliness; I mean the pernicious custom of washing them immev 
diately before company is put into them. Most people catch cold, 
if they sit but a very short time in a room that has been lately washrq 
ed; the delicate ought carefully to avoid such a situation, and even 
the robust are not always proof against its infiuencef v 

Sudden Transitions from. Heat to Cold: 

The perspiration is commonly obstructed by sudden trans¬ 
itions from heat to cold. Colds are seldom caught, unless when 
people have been too much heated. Heat rarities the blood, quick¬ 
ens the circulation, and increases the perspiration; but when these 
are suddenly checked, the consequences must be bad. i t is indeed 
impossible for labourers not to be too hot upon some occasions; 

*If a perfon fnfpe&s that his bed is damp, the fimple precaution cf taking 
off the fheets and lying in the blankets, with all, or mod of his clothes on, 
will prevent all the danger. I have pra&ifed this for many years, and never 
have been hurt by damp beds, though no conllitution, without care, is proof 
again ft their baneful influence. 

f People imagine if a good tire is made in a room after it has been wafhed, 
that there is no danger from fitting in it; but they mult give jue leave to fay 
that this increafes the danger. The evaporation excited by the hre gene¬ 
rates cold, and renders the clamp more adtive. 

‘ but 



7.8 


OF THE COMMON EVACUATIONS. 


it is gen 


wrally in their power to let themselves cool gradually* 
icir clothes when they leave oft' work, to make choice or 


V M f 

L> uL 

to put on th 

a dry place to rest themselves in, and to avoid sleeping in the open 
field's. These easy rules, if observed, would often prevent fevers 
and other fatal disorders. 

It is very common for people, when hot, to drink freely of cold, 
water, or’ small liquors. This conduct is' extremely dangerous. 
Thirst indeed is hard to bear, and the inclination to gratify that ap¬ 
petite frequently gets the better of reason/and makes us do what 
our judgment disapproves. If very peasant, however, knows, if his 
horse be permitted to drink his bellyful of cola water after violent 
exercise, and. be immediately put into the stable, or suffered to re¬ 
main at rest, that it will kill him. This they take the utmost care to 
prevent. It were well if they ware equally attentive* to their own 
safety. 

Thirst may be quenched many ways without swallowing large 
quantities of cold liquor. The fields afford variety of acid fruits and 
plants, the very chewing of which would abate thirst Water kept in, 
the mo^uth for sometime, and spit out again, if frequently repeat-' 
ed, will have the same effect. If a bit of bread be eaten along 
with a few mouthfuls of water, it will both quench thirst more ef¬ 
fectually, and make the danger less. When a person is extremely 
hot, a mouthful of brandy, or other spirits, if it can be obtained, 
ought to be preferred to any thing else. But if anyone has been so 
foolish, when hot, as to drink freely of cold liquor, he ought to con¬ 
tinue his exercise at least till what he drank be thoroughly warmed 
upon his stomach. 

It would be tedious to er- aerate all the bad effects which flow 
from drinking cold liquors when the body is hot. Sometimes this 
has occasioned immediate death. Hoarseness, quinseys, and fevers 
of various kinds, are its common consequences. Neither is it safe 
when warm to eat freely of raw fruits, sal lads, or the like. These in¬ 
deed have not so sudden an effect on the body as cold liquors, but 
they are notmthstan ling dangerous/and ought to be avoided. 

Sitting in a warm room, and drinking hot liquors till the pores are 
quite open, and imuiediutdy going into the cold air, is extremely 
dangerous. Colds, coughs, and inflammauons of the breast, areg 
th*? usual effects of this conduct; yet Nothing is more common than 
for people, after they have drank warm liquors for several hours, to 
walk or ride a number of miles in the coldest night, or to ramble’ 
about in the siyeefs*. 

People ate very apt when a room is hot, to throw open a window, 
and to sit hear it. 1 his is the most dangerous practice. Any per¬ 
son had better sit without doors than in such a situation, asj.he cur¬ 
rent of air is directed against one particular part of the body. In- 

* The tap-rooms in London and other great towns, whewe inch numbers 
cF people fpend their evenings, are highly pernicious. The breath of a 
number of people crowded into a low apartment, with the addition of fires" 
candles, the fmokc of tobacco, and the fumes of hot liquor, &c. mull not 
oniv render it hurful to continue in fu*.h places, but dangerons to go out of 
them ;nto a cold and chilly atmofphere. ' 


ffaunnalory 


OF THE COMMON EVACUATIONS. 79 

ffammatory fevers and consumptions have often been occasioned by 
sitting or standing thinly clothed near an open window. Nor is 
sleeping with open windows lens to be dreaded. That ought never 
to be done, even in the hottest season, unless the window is at a 
distance, I have known medianics frequently contract fatal dis¬ 
eases, by working stript at an open window, and would advise all 
of them to beware of such a practice. 

Few things expose people more to catch cold than keeping their 
•wn houses too warm : such persons may be said to live in a sort of 
hot-houses; they can hardly stir abroad to visit a neighbour but at 
the hazard of their lives. Were there no other reason for keeping 
houses moderately cool, that alone is sufficient: but no house that i» 
too hot can be wholesome; heat destroys the spring and elasticity 
of the air, renders it less fit for expanding the,lungs, and the other 
purposes of respiration. Hence it is that consumptions and other 
diseases of the lungs prove so fatal to people who work in forges, 
glass-houses, and the like. r 

Some are even so fool hardy, i\s to plurge themselves when hot 
in cold water. Not only fevers, but madness itself, has frequently 
been the effect of this conduct. Indeed it looks too like the action 
of a madman to deserve a serious consideration. 

The result of all these observations is, that every one ought to 
avoid, with the utmost attention, all sudden transitions from heal to 
told, and to keep the body in as uniform a temperature as possible; 
or where that cannot be done, to take care to let it cool gradually. 

People may imagine that too strict an attention to these things 
would tend to render them delicate. So far however is this from be¬ 
ing my design, that the very first rule proposed for preventing colds, 
is to harden the body, by enuring it daily to the open air. 

I shall put an end to what relates to this part of my subjec f , bv 
giving an abstract of the justly celebrated advice of Celsus, with 
respect to the preservation of health. “ A man,” says he, “ who. 
is blessed with good health, should confine himself to no partieu- 
lar rules, either with respect to regimen or medicine. He ought 
“ frequently to diversify his manner of living; to be sometimes in 
‘Mown, sometimes in the country; to hunt, sail, indulge himself 
“ in rest, but more frequently to use exercise. He ought to refuse 
“ no kind of food that is commonly used, but sometimes: to eat more 
“ and sometimes less; sometimes to make one at an entertainment, 
“ and sometimes to forbear it; to make rather two meals a-day than 
“ one, and always to eat heartily, provided he can digest it. He 
“ ought neither too eagerly pursue, nor too* scrupulously to avoid 
intercourse with the fair sex : pleasures of this kind, rarely in- 
“ dulged, render the body alert and active; but when too fre- 
- c quently repeated, weak and languid. He should be careful in 
time of health not to destroy, by excesses of any kind, that vi- 
V go iir of constitution which shouid support him under sickness.” 


PART 




ao. 


©F THE KNOWLEDGE 


P A R T II, 


OF DISEASES. 


CHAP. XII. 

OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND CURE OF DISEASES- 

% ' 1 

T HE cure of diseases does not depend so much upon scientific: 

principles as many imagine. It is chiefly the result of experience 
«md observation. By attending the sick, and carefully observing the 
Toriaas occurrences in*diseases,a great degree of.accuracy may be ac- 
quiredjboth in distinguishing their symptoms,and in the application of 
medicines. Hence sensible nurses, and other persons who wait upon 
the sick, often foresee the patient’s fate sooner than those who have 
been bred to physic. We do not however mean to insinuate that a 
medical education is of no use: It is doubtless of the greatest im¬ 
portance; but it never can supply the place of observation and ex¬ 
perience. 

Every disease may be considered as an assemblage of symptoms, 
and must be distinguished by those which are most obvious and pen- 
nianent. Instead therefore of giving a classical arrangement of 
diseases, according to the systematic method, it will be more suita¬ 
ble, in a performance of this nature, to give a full and accurate de¬ 
scription of each particular disease as it occurs ; and, where any of 
the symptoms of one disease have a near resemblance to those of 
another, to take notice of that circumstance, and at the same time- 
to point out the peculiar or characteristic symptoms by which it ma| 
be distinguished. By a due attention to these, the investigation of 
diseases will be found to-be a [ess difficult matter than most.people 
would at first be ready to imagine. - 

A proper attention to the patient’s age, sex, temper of mind, con~> 
stitution, and manner of life, will likewise greatly' assist, both in 
the investigation and treatment of diseases. 

In childhood the fibres are lax and soft, the nerves extremely ir¬ 
ritable, and the fluids thin; whereas in old age the fibres are rigid; 

become almost insensible, and many of the vessels im- 
These and other peculiarities render the diseases of the 
young and aged very different, and of course they must require a 
different method of treatment. 

Females a;c liable lo many diseases which do not afflict the other 
sex: besides, the nervous system being more irritable in them than 
?n men, their diseases require to he treated with greater caution. 

They 


the nerves 
perviabl 


AND CURE OF DISEASES. 


SI 


They are less able to bear large evacuations; and all stimulating 
Medicines ought to be administered to them with a sparing hand. 

Particular constitutions not only dispose persons to peculiar dis¬ 
eases, but likewise render it necessary to treat these diseases in a 
peculiar manner. A delicate person, for example, with weak nerves, 
who lives mostly wdhin doors, must not be treated, under any dis¬ 
ease, precisely in the same manner as one who is hardy and robust, 
and who is much exposed to the open air. 

The temper of mind ought to be carefully attended to in diseases. 
Pear, anxiety, and a fretful temper, both occasion and aggravate dis¬ 
eases. In vain do we apply medicines to the body remove mala¬ 
dies which proceed from the mind. When it is affected, the best 
medicine is to soothe the passions, to divert the mind from anxious 
thought, and to keep the patient as easy and cheerful as .possible, < 

Attention ought likewise to be paid to the climate, or place' where 
•the patient lives, the air he breathes, his diet, Sic. Such as live in 
JL-yv marshy situations are subject to many diseases which are un¬ 
known to the inhabitants of high countries. Those who breathe 
.the impure air of cities, have many maladies to which the more ha,t> 
py rustics are entire strangers. Persons who feed grossly, and in¬ 
dulge in strong liquors, are liable to diseases which do not afflict the 
temperate and abstemious, Sze. 

,, It has already been observed, that the different occupations and 
situations in life dispose men to peculiar diseases. It is therefore 
necessary to inquire into the patient’s occupation, manner of life. 
See. This will nbt, only asset us in finding, out the disease, but 
will likewise direct us in the treatment of it. It would be very im¬ 
prudent to treat the laborious and the sedentary precisely in the same 
manner, even supposing them to labour under the same disease. 

.. It will likewise be proper to inquire, whether the disease be cory- 
stitutional or accidental; whether it has been of long or short de¬ 
ration; whether it proceeds Trom any great and sudden alteration 
In the diet, manner of life, Szc. The state of the. patient’s body, 
and of the other evacuations, ought also to be inquired into; and 
likewise whether he can with ease perform all the vital and animal 
functions, as breathing, digestion, &c. . 

Lastly, it will be proper to enquire what diseases the patient has 
formerly been liable to, and what medicines were most beneficial 
to him; .if he has a strong aversion to any particular drug, &c. 

As many of the indications of cure may be answered by diet 
alone, it is always the first tiling to be attended to in the treatment 
of diseases. Those who know no better, imagine that every thing 
which goes by the name of a medicine possesses some wonderful 
power or secret charm, and think, if the patient swallows enough of 
drugs, that he must do we,11. This mistake lias many ill conse¬ 
quences; it makes people trust to drugs, and neglect their own en¬ 
deavours; besides, it discourages all attempts to relieve the *,Lk 
where medicines cannot be obtained. 

Medicines are no doubt useful in their places; and when admini¬ 
stered with prudence, they may do much good; but when they are 
$»u.t in place every thing else, or administered at random, whit h 






OF THE KNOWLEDGE 


is not seldom the rase, they must do mischief We would therefore 
wish to call the attention of mankind from the pursuit of secret me-* 
divines, to such things as they are acquainted with. The proper 
regulation of these may often do much good, and there is little dan¬ 
ger of their ever doing hurt. 

Every disease weakens the digestive powers. TItc diet ought 
therefore, in all cases', to be light and of easy digestion. It would 
he as prudent for & person with a broken leg to attempt to walk, as 
for one in a fever to eat the same kind of food, and in the same 
quantity, as when he was in perfect health. Even abstinence alomi 
will often cure a fever, especially when it has been occasioned by 
excess in eating or drinking.. 

In all fevers attended with inflammation, as plurisies, peripneu~ 
monies, &c. thin gruels Wheys, watery infusions of mucilaginous 
plants, roots, <kc. are not only p r oper for the patient’s food, but 
they air likewise the best medicines which can be administered. 

In fevers of a slow, nervous, or putrid kind, where there are no 
symptoms of inflammation, and where the patient must be supported 
with cordials, that intention can always be more effectually answer¬ 
ed by nourishing diet and generous wines, than by any medicines yet 
known. 

Nor 'is b 'proper attention to the diet of less importance in chro¬ 
nic than in acute diseases. Persons afflicted with low spirits, wind, 
weak nerves, and other hypochondriacal affections, generally find 
more benefit from the use of solid food and generous liquors, than 
Worn all the cordial and carminative medicines which can be admi¬ 
nistered to them. 

The scurvy, that most obstinate malady, will sooner yield to a 
proper vegetable diet, than to 3.11 the boasted antiscorbutic remedies 
of (lie shops. 

In consumptions, when the humours are vitiated, and the stomach 
so much. weakened as to be unable to digest the solid fibres of ani¬ 
mals, or even to assimulate the juices of vegetables, a diet consist¬ 
ing chiefly of milk, Will nV>t only support the patient, but will often 
cine the disease after every other medicine has failed. 


Nor is an attention to other things of less importance than to 
diet. The strange infatuation which has long induced pebple to 
shut up the sick from all communication with the external air has 
done great mischief. Not only in fevers, but many other diseases, the 
patient will receive more ,benefit from having the fresh air prudent¬ 
ly admitted into his chamber, than from all the medicines which can 
be given him. 

Exercise may likewise in many cases be considered as a medicine. 


Sailing, or riding on horseback, for example, will be of more service 
in the ciiVe of consumptions, glandular obstructions, &c. than any r 
medicine yet known. In diseases which proceed from a relaxed 
state of the yolids, the cold.hath, and other parts of the gymnastic 
regimen, will be found equally beneficial. 

Few tilings are of a greater importance in the cure t)f diseases 
than cleanliness. When a patient is suffered to lie in dirty clothes/ 
whatever perspire* from his body is again resorbed, or taken lip into 


AND CURE OF DISEASES. 


83 


*v 


it, which serves to nourish the disease and increase the datfger. 
Many diseases may be cured by/,cleanliness alone; most of them 
may be mitigated by it, and in aii of them it is highly necessary 
both for the patient and those who attend him. 

Many other observations, were it necessary, might be adduced jo 
prove the importance of a proper regimen in diseases. Regimen 
will often cure diseases without medicine, but medicine will seldom 
succeed where a proper regimen is neglected. For this reason, in 
the treatment of diseases, vve have always given the first place to 
regimen. Those who are ignorant of medrtrine mav conflre them¬ 
selves to it only. For others who have more knovvledgje, we have 
recommended some of the most simple but approved forms of me¬ 
dicine hi'every disease. These however are never to be admini¬ 
stered but by people of better understanding; nor even by them 
without the greatest precaution. 


A 


C H A P. XIII. 

OF FEVERS IN GENERAL. 

S more than one half of manhind is said to perish by fevers, it 
is of importance to be acquainted with their causes. The 
most general causes of fevers are, infection, errors in diet, unzchotc- 
tiome fir, violent emotions of the mind, excess or Suppression of usual 
evacuations, 'external or internal injuries, and extreme degrees of heat or 
cold. As most of these have already been treated of at considera¬ 
ble length, and their effects shewn, vve shall not now resume the 
consideration of them, but shall only recommend it to all, as they 
would wish to avoid fevers and other fatal diseases, to pay the most 
punctual attention to these articles. 

Fevers .are not only the most frequent, of Ml diseases, but they 
are likewise the most complex. In the most simple species of fe¬ 
ver there is always a Wrmbmation of several different symptoms. 
The distinguishing symptoms of fever are, increased heat, frequency 
of pulse , loss of appetite, general delfity, path ift the head, and a diffi¬ 
culty in performing some p) the vitcu dr animal functions, { he other 
symptoms usually attendant on fevers are, nausea, thirst, anxiety, 
delirium, weariness, wasting of the flesh, want of sleep, or the sleep 
disturbed '“and not refreshing. 

When the fcVer comes on gradually, the patient generally com¬ 
plains first of languor or hstlessness, soreness o. <in' flesh, or the 
bones, as the counti \ people express it, Heaviness of the head, loss of 
anoetite, sickness, Vvith clainfu;'less of the inouth; after some time 
conn- on excessiv e heat, violent thirst, restlessness, b;e. _ . 

When tlie fever attacks suddenly, it always begins with an un¬ 
easy sensation of excessive cold, accompanied, with debility and 
loss of appetite ; frequently tin cold is attended with shivering, op- 

nroMon about the heart, and sickness at stoinacn, or vomiting. 

O Feve/s 



%% 


OF FEVERS IN GENERAL. 


Severs arc divided into continual, remitting, intermitting, ind 
such as are attended with cutaneous eruption or topical inflammation? 
as. the small-pox, erisipelas, &c. By a continual fever is meant that 
which never leaves the patient during the whole course of the dis* 
ease, or which shews no remarkable increase or abatement in the 
.symptoms. This kind of fever is likewise divided into acute, slow r , 
and malignant. . The fever is called acute when its progress is quick, 
and the symptoms violent; but when these are more gentle, it is 
generally denominated stow. When livid or petechial spots shew a 
putrid state of the humours, the fever is called malignant, putrid, or 
petechial. 

A remitting fever differs from a continual only in a degree. It 
has frequent increases and decreases, or exacerbations and remis¬ 
sions, but .never wholly leaves the patient during the course of the 
disease. Intermitting fevers or agues are those which, during the 
time that the patient may be said tv) be ill, have eviov/it intervals or 
remissions ot the symptoms. , \ 

As a fever is duly an effort of Nature to free herself from an of¬ 
fending cause, it is the business of those who have the care of the 
sick to observe with diligence which way Nature points, and to en¬ 
deavour to assist her operations. Our bodies are so framed, as to 
have a constant tendency to expel or throw off whatever is injuri¬ 
ous to health. This is generally done by urine, sweat, stool, expec¬ 
toration, vomit, or some other evacuation. 

There is reason to believe, if the efforts of Nature, at the be¬ 
ginning of a fever, were duly attended to and promoted, it would 
seldom continue Icing; but when her attempts are neglected or 
counteracted; It is no wonder if the disease proves fafal. There 
are daily instances of persons whoi after catcKing .cold, have all the 
symptoms of a beginning fever; but by keeping vfarm, drinking di¬ 
luting liquors, bathing their feet in warm water, Sac. the symptoms 
in a few hours disappear, and the danger is prevented. When fe¬ 
vers of a phtrid kind threaten, the best method of obviating their 
effects is by repeated vomits. 

Our design is hot to enter into a critical enquiry into the nature 
and immediate causes of fevers, but to make their most obvious 
symptoms, and to point out the proper treatment of the patient with 
respect to his diet, drink; air, Szc. in the different stages of the dis¬ 
ease. In these arfieies the inclination of the patient will in a great 
ineasure direct our conduct 

k : 

Almost every person in a fever complains of great thirst, and calls 
out for drink*especially of a._cooling nature. This at once points 
out the use of water, and other 'Aiding liquors.. What is so likely 
to abate the heat, attenuate, the humours, remove spasms and ob¬ 
structions, promote perspiration, increase he quantity of urine, and 
in short produce every salutary effect in an ardent or inflammatory 
fever, as drinking plentifully of water, thin gruel, or any other weak 
liquor, of which water is the basis ? Thy necessity of diluting li¬ 
quors is pointed out Hy the dry tongue, the parched skin, and the 
burning befit, as well as by the unquenchable thirst of the patient. 

Many 


OF FEVERS IN GENERAL. 



Many cooling liquors, which are extremely grateful to patients in 
a fever, may be prepared from fruits, as decoctions of tamarinds, ap¬ 
ple tea, orange whey, and the like! Mucilaginous liquors might al¬ 
so be prepared from marsh-mallow roots, linseed, litpetree buds, and 
other mild vegetables. These liquors, especially when acidulated, 
are highly agreeably to the patient, and should never be denied him. 

At the beginning of a feyer the patient generally complains of 
great lassitude or weariness, and has no inclination to move. This 
evidently shews the propriety of keeping him easy, and if possible 
in bed. Lying in bed relaxes the Spasms, abates the violence off 
the circulation, and gives nature an opportunity of 'exerting ali her 
force to overcome the disease. The bed alor.e would often remove 
a fever at the beginning j but when the patient snuggles with the 
disease, instead of driving it off, he only fixes it the deeper, ur.d 
renders it more dangerous. This observation is too often verified in. 
travellers, who happen when on a journey to be seized with a fever. 
Their anxiety to get home induces them to travel with the fever 
upon them, which conduct seldom fails w render it fatal. g 

In fevers the mind as well as the body should lie kept easy. 
Company is seldom agreeable to the sick. Indeed every thing that' 
disturbs the imagination, increases the disease; for which reason 
every person in a fever ought to be kept perfectly quiet, and neither 
allowed to see nor hear any thing that may in the least a fleet or dis¬ 
compose hfs mind. 

Though the patient in a fever lias the greatest inclination for 
drink, yet he seldom lias a»y appetite for solid food : hence the Jm- 
propriety of urging him to take victuals is evident. Much solid 
food in a fever ts every way hurtful. ICoppresses nature, and, in¬ 
stead of nourishing the patient, serves only to feed" the disease. 
What food the patient takes should be in small quantity, light, and. 
of easy digestion. It ought to be chiefly of the vegetable kind, as 
panada, roasted apples, gruels, and such like. 

'Poor people, when any of their family are taken ill, run directly 
to their rich neighbour for cordials, and pour wine, spirits, &c. into, 
the patient, who perhaps never had been accustomed to taste suc h 
liquors when in health. If there be any degree of fever, tin's con¬ 
duct must increase it, and if there be none, this is the ready way to. 
raise one. Stuffing, the patient With sweetmeats and other delica¬ 
cies is likewise very pernicious. These.are always harder to digest 
than common food, and cannot fail to hurt. v 

Nothing is more desired By a patient in a fever tLon fresh air. 
It not only removes his anxiety, but cools the blood, revives the spi¬ 
rits, and proves every way beneficial. Many patients are .in.a manner 
stifled to death in fevers for want of fresh air;, yet such is the un¬ 
accountable infatuation of most people, that the moment they 
think a person in a fever, they imaging he should be kept in a ckxe 
chamber, into which not one particle of fresh air must be admitted. 
Instead of this, there ought to be a constant stream of fresh air into 
a sick person’s chamber, so as to keep it moderately cool. Indeed 
its degree of warmth ought never to be greater than ls agreeable to 
une in perfect health. 


Nothin? 




s;> 


OF FEVERS IN GENERAL. 


Nothing spoils the air of a sick person’s chamber, or hurts the.pa-^ 
tjent more, than a number of people breathing in it. When the w 
blood is inflamed, or the humours in a putrid state, air that has been 
breathed repeatedly will greatly increase the disease. Such air not 
onlv loses its spring, and becomes unfit for the purpose of respira¬ 
tion, but acquires a noxious quality, which renders it in a manner 
pisonous to the sick. 

In fevers, when the patient’s spirits are low. and depressed, he is 
not only to be supported with cordials, but every method should be 
taken to cheer and comfort his mind. Many, from a mistaken zeal, 
when they think a person in danger, instead ot solacing his mind 
with the hopes and consolations of religion, fright him with the 
views of hell and damnation. It would be unsuitable here to d-vveil 
upon the impropriety and dangerous consequences of this conduct; 
it often hurts the body, and there is reason to brieve seldom benefits 
the soul, 

Among common people, the very name of a fever generally sug¬ 
gest the necessity of bleeding. This notion seems to have taken its 
rise from most fevers in. this country having been formerly of an in- 
fl immatory nature; but true, inflammatory fevers axe now seldom to 
be met with. Sedentary occupations, and a different manner of liv¬ 
ing, have so changed the state of diseases in Britain, that there.is 
now hardly one fever in ten where the Lancet is necessary In most 
low, nervous, and putrid fevers, which are now so common, bleed¬ 
ing is really hurtful, as it weakens the patient, sinks his spirits, &e. 
We would recommend this general rule, never to bleed at the be¬ 
ginning of a fever, unless there be evident signs of inflammation. 
Bleeding is an excellent medicine when necessary, but should never 
be wantonly performed. 

It is likewise a common notion, that sweating is always necessary 
in the beginning of a fever. When the fever proceeds from an ob¬ 
structed perspiration, this motion is next ill-founded. If the patient 
only lies ip bed, bathes his feet and legs in warm water, and drinks 
freely of warm water-gruel, or any other weak diluting, liquor, he 
will seldom fail to per; pi re freely. The warmth of the bed, and 
the diluting drink, will relax the universal spasm, which generally 
affects the‘skin at the beginning of a fevet; it will open the poresy 
and promote the perspiration, by means of which they fever may of¬ 
ten be carried off, But instead of this, the common practice is to 
heap clothes upon the patient, and h> give him things of a hot na¬ 
ture, as spirits, spicOrieq See. which fire his blood, increase the 
spasms, and render the disease more dangerous. 

In all fevers a proper attention should by paid to..the,patient’s long-, 
ings. These are the call’s of Nature, and often point out what may 
be of real use. Patients are not indeed to be indulged in every 
thing (hat the sickly appetite may crave; but it is generally right to 
let them have a little of what they eagerlv desire, though it may 
not seem altogether proper.. What the patient longs for, his sto- 
D) ich will generally digest; and such things have sometimes a very 
Happy effect. 


OF INTERMITTING FEVERS. 


i>7' 

When a patient is recovering from a fever, great care is necessa- 
zv to prevent a relapse. Many persons, by too soon imagining 
themselves well, have lost their lives, or contracted-other diseases 
of an obstinate nature. V^s the body after a fever is weak and de¬ 
licate, it is necessary to guard against catching cold. Moderate ex¬ 
ercise in the open air will be of use, but grfcat fatigue is by all 
means to be avoided; agreeable company will also have a good ef¬ 
fect. The diet must be light but nourishing. It should be taken 
frequently, but in small quantities. It is dangerous, at such a time, 
to eat as much as the stomach may crave. 


chap. xiv. - 

OF INTERMITTING FEVERS, OR AGUES. 


1 INTERMI TTING fevers afford the best opportunity both of ob- 
. serving the nature of a fever, and also the effects of medicine. 
No person can be at a loss to distinguish an intermitting fever from 
any other, and the proper medicine for it is now almost universally 
known. 

The several kinds of intermitting fevers take their names from the 
period in which the fit returns, as quotidian, tertian, quartan,,&c 
CAUSES.—t——A gues are occasioned by effluvia from putrid 
stagnating water. This is evident from their abounding in rainy 
seasons, and being most frequent in countries where the soil is 
marshy, as in Holland, the Fens of Cambridgeshire, the Hundreds, 
of Essex, &c. This disease may also be occasioned by eating too 
much stone fruit, by a poor watery diet, damp houses, evening 
dews, lying upon the damp ground, watching, fatigue, depressing 
passions, and the like. When the inhabitants of a high country 
remove to a low one, they are generally seized with intermitting fe¬ 
vers, and to such the disease is most apt to prove fatal. In a word, 
whatever relaxes the solids, diminishes the perspiration, or obstructs 
the circulation in the capillary or small vessels, disposes the body to 
agues. 

' SYMPTOMS.- 


-An intermitting fever generally begins with 

a pain of the head and loins, weariness of the limbs, coldness of 
the extremities, stretching, yawning, with sometimes great sickness 
and vomiting; to which succeed shivering apd violent shaking. Af¬ 
terwards the skin becomes moist, and a profuse sweat beaks out, 
which generally terminates the fit or paroxysm. Sometimes indeed 
the disease comes on suddenly, when the person thinks himself in 
perfect health; but it is more commonly preceded by listlessness, 
loss of appetite, and the symptoms mentioned above. 

REGIMEN.-While the fit continues, the patient ought to 

drink freely of water-gruel, orange-whey, weak camomile tea; or, 
ff his spirits be low, small wine-whey, sharpend with the juice of 

lemon. 









88 OF INTERMITTING FEVERS. 

lemon. Ail his drink should be warm, as that will assist in brings 
ing on the sweat, and consequently shorten the paroxysm*. 

Between the paroxysms the patient must be supported with food 
that is nourishing, but light and easy of digestion, as veal or chicken 
booths, sago, griiel with a little wine, light puddings, and such like. 
His drink may be small negus, acidulated with the juice of lemons 
or oranges, and sometimes a little weak punch. He may likewise 
diink infusions of bitter herbs, as camomile, wormwood, or water- 
trefoil, and may now and then take a glass of small wine, in which 
gentian root, centaury, or some other bitter, has been infused. 

As the chief intentions of cure in an ague are to brace the solids, 
an i promote perspiration, the patient ought to take as much exercise 
^efvveen the fits as he can bear. If he be able to go abroad, riding 
on horseback, or in a carriage, will be of great service. But if he 
cannot bear that kind of exercise, lie ought to take such as his 
strength will permit. Nothing tends mage to prolong an intermit- 
tmg fever, than indulging a lazy indolent disposition. 

Intermitting' fevers, under a proper regimen, will often go off 
v itnout medicine: and when the disease is mild, in an open dry coun- 
try, there is seldom any danger from allowing it to take its course; 
mt when the patient s strength seems to decline, or the paroxysms 
aie so violent that his life is in danger, medicine ought immediately 
c ac bnmi$tered. This however should never be done till the 
disease be properly formed, that is to say, till the patient has had 
several fits of shaking and sweating, 

infcmffi 01 ? E ' " T , he , tkiag to be done in * e cure of an 
‘ , l ! n S fever, is to cleanse (he stomach and bowels. This not 

only renders the application o( other medicines more safe but like 
aviso more fk;, J out hkc- 


fe?- ** - thereto £ ^m=beW' 

censS Var eS mP - d ' cine - , A dose of ipecacuanha will 

rfl 1 f f P T' ve g well. A scruple or half a dram 
son he r W pr T b ? sufi,c,cnt for . aa and for a younger per-' 
ophato t f , b f IeSS , Atier ' (he begins to 

ta Th ,r ( eD ^ bt , 10 < nnk Plentifully of weak camomile- - 

turn o fit :L ShCUld , b<? take " !, VVo or three llour< ^r6. (be re- 
dav Vo ' • ’ d ? oe r< ‘pcafed at the distance of two or three 

sniration and alf ft'' 7 ' cleansethe stomach, but increase the per. ' 
important ,'L, „ 1 le °,! ,K ‘ r secrell0 " s . "'hich render them of such 

distance of’anj otheTn^;™ V the f ’ 

t«r m bfi'no d* <b< ,nt " i ar ® likewise useful and. often necessary in i u - 

jiateacue fTi, P“ T « e has to cure /„ ebsti- 

’ a 1 ‘ )C ^ enivian, bark and other medicines had been 

cup 0fVhi n iwidriT!;^ 'w'V'Mh? <T ‘ r0 P s of laudanum put Into a 
mencement of the hot ft '' nc ' • R lve ’* ».«nut half an hour after the com. 
bead, and tends greatiym e difilT ^ ^ 

usqd 



OF INTERMITTING FEVERS. Sy 

Used in vain. Vomits however are more suitable in this disease, 
and render purging less necessary ; blit if the patient be afraid to 
take a vomit, he ought in this case to clease the bowels by a dose 
or two of Glauber’s salt, jalap, or rhubarb. ; 

Bleeding may sometimes be proper at the beginning of an inter* 
milting fever, when excessive heat, a delirium, &c. give reason to 
su spect an inflammation: but as the blood is seldom in an infiamma- 
'lory state in intermitting fever's, this operation jsjarely necessary. 
Yv r hen frequently repeated, it tends to prolong the disease. 

After proper evacuations the patient may safely use the Peruvian 
bark, which may be taken in any way that is most agreeable to .him-. 
No preparation of the bark seems to answer better than the mo-ft 
simple torm in which it can be given, viz. in powder. , 

. Two ounces of the best Peruvian bark, finely powdered, may be 
di\ ided into twenty-four doses. These may either be made infi} 
boluwes as they are used, with a little syrup of lemon, or mixed, ill 
,a glass of red wine, a cup of camomile-tea, water-gruel, or any 
other drink that is more agreeable to the patient*. 

In an ague which returns every day, one of the above doses may 
.be taken every two hours during the interval of the fits. : By tins 
method the patient will be able to. take five or six doses between 
each paroxysm. In a tertian or third day ague it will be sufficient 
to take a dqse every third hour during the interval, and in a quartan 
every fourth. If the patient cannot take so large a dose of the 
bark, he may divide each of the powders into two parts, and tnke 
one every hoar, &c. For a young person a smaller quantity of this 
medicine will be sufficient, and the dose must be adapted to the 
age, constitution and violence of the symptoms^. 

. The above quantity of bark will frequently cure on ague; the 
patient, however, ought not to leave off taking the medicine as soon 
as the paroxysms aie stopped, but shou^I continue to use it till there 
is reason to believe the disease is entirely overcome. Most of the 
failures in the cure of this disease are owing to patients not conti¬ 
nuing to "use the medicine long enough. They are generally direct¬ 
ed to take it till the fits are stopped, then to leave it olf, and oegin 
again at some distance of time; by which means the disease ga¬ 
thers strength, and often returns with as much violence as before-. 
A relapse may always be prevented by the patient’s continuing to 

* It has lately been obferved, that the red bark is more powerful than that 
which has for feme time been iyi common life. Its fuperior efficacy -feemi 
to arife from its being of a more perfect growth than the quill bark, and con- 
fequently more fully impregirated with the medical properties of the plant. 

f In intermitting fevers of an oh ft in ate nature, I have found it neceflary 
To throw in the bark much fafter. Indeed the benefits arifmgtrcm *h ; s me¬ 
dicine depends chiefly upon a large quantity of it being adminiftered m a, 
fliort time. Several ounces of baFk given in a few days will do more than 
jts many pounds taken in the couvfe of feme weeks. When this mediciho 
is intended either to flop a mortification, or cure an oMlinate ague, it ought 
to be thrown in as faft as the ftomach can poffibly bear it. Ina f teiv mu * v 
this circumflance has hurt the reputation of emo of the heft medienms •’ r . 
which we are in potTe&on. 

takj 





u OF INTERMITTING FEVERS. 


take closes of (lie medicine for some time after the symptoms dis*> 
appear This is both the most safe and effectual method of cure. 

An ounce of gentian root, calamus aromaticus, and orang&rpeef, 
'of each half an ounce, with three or four handfuls of camomile- 
flowers, and an handful of coriandef-Seed, all bruised together in a 
mortar, may be used in form of infusion or tea. About half an 
handful of these ingredients may be put info a tea-pot, and an Eng¬ 
lish pint of boiling wafer poured on them. A cup of this infusion 
drank three or Four times day will greatly promote the cure. Such 
patients as cannot drink the watery infusion, may put two handfuls 
of (he same ingredients into a bottle of white wine, and take a glass 
of it twice or thrice a day. If patients drink freeiy of the above, 
or anv other proper Infusdon of bitter^, a smaller quantity of bark 
'than is generally used will be sufficient to cure an'ag&e*. 

Those who .cstoridt swallow the bark in substance, may take it 
in decoction or infusion. An ounce of bark in powder may be in¬ 
fused in a bottle of white’ wine for foilr or fiye days, frequently 
shaking the bottle, . afterwards let flic powder subside, and pour off 
the clear liquor. A 'wine glass may be drank three or four times a 
dav, of oftener, kf there is occasion. If a decoction be more agree¬ 
able, an ounce of the bark, and two drams of snake-root bruised, 
with an equal qua? ill tv of salt of wormwood, may be boiled in a 
quart of water, to an English pint. To the strained liquor may be 
'added an equal . quantity of red vVine, and a glass'of it taken fre¬ 


quent!). 

In obstinate •agues-, the bark 'will be found much more efficacious 
when assisted bv Handy, or other w arm cordials, than taken alone. 
This I have had frequently Occasion to observe in a country where 
tiflrrmittcnt fevers were endemical. The bark seldom succeeded 
unless assisted oy snake-root, ginger, cane!la alba, or some other 
warm aromatic. When the fits are frequent and violent, in which 
case the fever often approaches towards ail inflammatory nature, it 
will be safer to keep out the aromatics, and to add salt of tartar iri 
their stead. Hut in. an obstinate tertian or quartan, in the end of 
*au(:u,mn or beginning of winter, warm and cordial medicines are ab¬ 
solutely necessaryf. 


* There is reafon to believe, that fundry of our own plants or barks, which, 
are very bitter and aftringent, would fucceed in the cure of intermittent fe¬ 
vers, especially when atlilted by aromatics. But as the Peruvian bark has 
been long approved in the cure of this difeafe, and ns now to be obtained at 
a very reafonable rate, it is of lefs importance to fearch after new medicines. 
We cannot however omit taking notice, that the Peruvian bark is very of. 
*«» adulterated, and 'hat it requires confrderable tkill to diftinguifh between 
The genuine and the falfe. This ought to make people very cautious of 
whom they purchafe it. 

f In chilinare agues, when the patient is old, the habit phelgmatic, the 
Reafon ra’rnv, the li nation damp, or the like,, it will be neceffary to mix with 
'■* • ounces of the bark, half an ounce of Virginian fnake-root, and a quar¬ 
ter of an ounce of ginger, or fome other warm aromatic ; but when the 
Symptoms are of an inflammatory nature, half an ounce of fait of worm-- 
ftood or fait of tartar may 'be addod to the above quantity of bark. 


As 


OF INTERMITTING FEVERS, 


91 


As autumnal and winter agues - generally, prove much more obsti- 
pale than those which attack the patient in spring or summer, it will 
^ t uc the use of medicines longer in the former 
than in the latter. A person who is seized with an intermitting fe- 
Ver in the beginning of winter,' ought frequently, if the season 
proves rainy> to take a little niedicihe, although the disease may 
seem to be cured, to prevent a relapse, till the return of the warm 
season. He Ought likewise to take care not to be much abroad in 
wet weather, especially in cold easterly winds. 

When agues are not properly cured, they often degenerate into 
obstinate chronical diseases, as the dropsy/jaundice, fee. For this 
reason all possible care should be taken to have them radically cur¬ 
ed, before the constitution has been too much weakened. 

Though noihing is more rational than the method of treating nr- 
termitting fevers, yet, by’some strange infatuation, more charms, and 
whimsical 'remedies are daily used for'removing this than any* other 
disease. There is hardly an old woman who is not in possession of 
a nostrum for stopping an ague; and it is amazing with what rea¬ 
diness their pretensions are believed. Those in distress eagerly 
grasp at any thing that promises sudden relief;- but theyhortest way 
is not always the best in the treatment of diseases. The only me¬ 
thod to obtain a safe and lasting cure, is gradually to assist JNature 
in removing the cause of the disorder. 

Some incleed fry bold, tor rather fool-hardy experiment's to cure 
agues, as drinking great quantities of strong liquors, jumping into a 
river, taking arsenic, &c. These may sometimes have the desired 
effect, but must always be attended with clanger*. When there is 
any degree of inflammation, or the least tendency to it, such expe¬ 
riments may prove fatal. The only, patient whorm 1 remember to 
have lost in'an intermitting fever, evidently killed himself by drink¬ 
ing strong liquor, which some person had persuaded him would prove 
an infallible remedy. 

Many dirty things are extolled for the cure of intermitting fevers, 
as spiders, cobwebs, snuffings of candles, &c. Though these may 
sometimes succeed, yet their very hastiness is sufficient to set them 
aside, especially when cleanly medicines will answer the purpose 
better, 


roug 



always be used with safety : and I can honestly 
my practice I never knew it fail, when combined with the medi¬ 
cines mentioned above, and duly persisted in. 

‘ Where agues are endemical, even children are often afflicted with 
that disease. Such patients are very difficult to cure, as they can 
seldom be prevailed upon to take thq bark, or anyothor disagreeable 
medicine. One method of rendering this medicine more palatable, 
is to make it into a mixture with distilled waters- and syrup, and ai- 
iervvards to give it an agreeable sharpness with the elix.ii oi spirit of 


* Arfenic has of late been recommended as an infallible remedy in the 
ague; but I would advife that it Jhouldbe ufed only under the c\ e of a phy¬ 
sician. . . • 

P v fin on 



vitriol. Tins both improves the medicine, and takes off the nause¬ 
ous stale. In cases where the bark cannot be administered, the saline 
mixture may be given with advantage to children*. 

Wine-whey is & very proper drink for a child in an ague; to halt 
an English pint of which may be put a tea spoonful of the spirit of 
hartshorn. Exercise is likewise of considerable service; and when 
the disease proves obstinate,.the child ought, if possible, to be re¬ 
moved to a warm dry air. The food ought lobe nourishing, and 
sometimes a little generous wine should he allowed. 

To children, and such as cannot swallow the bark, or when the 
"stomach will not bear it, it may be given by clyster. Half an ounce 
of the extract of bark, dissolved in four ounces of warm water, 
with the addition of half an ounce of sweet oil, and six or eight 
'drops of laudanum,is the form recommended by Dr. Lind for an adult, 
and this to be repeated every fourth hour, or oftener, as the occa¬ 
sion shall require. For children the quantity of extract and lauda¬ 
num must he proportionally lessened. Children have been cured 
of agues by making them wear a waistcoat with powdered bark 
quilted between .he folds of it; by bathing them frequently in a 
strong decoction of the bark, and by rubbing b e spine with strong 
spirits, or with a mixture of equal parts of laudanum and the sa¬ 
ponaceous liniment. . , 

We have been the more full upon this disease, because it is very 
common, and because few patients in an ague apply to physicians 
unless in extremities. Th -re are, however, many ca-es in which 
the disease is very irregular, being complicated with other diseases, 
or attended with symptom > which are both very dangerous and very 
difficult to understand. All the 5 e we have purposely passed over, 
as they would only bewilder the generality of readers. When the 
disease is very irregular, or the symptoms dangerous, the patient 
ought immediately to apply tc a physician, and strictly to fellow his 
advice. 


To prevent ague 5 , people mn t endeavour to avoid their causes. 
These have been already pointed out in the beginning of this sec¬ 
tion: we shall therefore only add one preventative medicine, which 
may be of use to such as are obliged to live in low marshy countries, 
or who are liable to frequent attacks of this disease. 

Take an ounce of the best Peruvian bark ; Virginian snake-root, 
and c range pee 1 , of each half an .ounce; bruise them all together, 
and infuse for five or six days in bottle of brandy, Holland gin, or 
any good spirit; afterwards pour off the clear liquor, and take a 
wine glass of it twice or thrice a day. This indeed is recommend- 
, ing a dram ; but the better ingredients in a great measure lake off 
the ill effects of the spirit. Those who do not chuse it in brandy, 
may infuse it in wine; and such as can bring them solves to chew 
tiie bark, will find that method succeed very well. Gentian root, 
or calamus aroma bens, may also be chewed by turns for the purpose. 
Ail bh'e-cs «eem to be antidotes to agues, especially those that are 


warm and astringent. 

o 


* See Appendix, Saline Mixture. v 

C H A P 


( 93, ) 

C II A P. XV. 

OF AN ACUTE CONTINUAL FEVER, 

T HIS fever is denominated acute, ardent, or inflammatory. It 
most commonly attacks the young, or persons atmut the prime 
and vigour of life, especially such as live high, abound with blood, 
and whose fibres are strong and elastic. It seizes people at all sea¬ 
sons of the year; but is most frequent in the spring and beginning 
of summer. 

CAUSES.-An ardent fever may be occasioned by any thing 

that overheats the body, or produces plethora, as violent exercise, 
sleeping in the sun, drinking strong liquors, eating spiceries, a full 
diet, with little exercise, &c. It may likewise be occasioned by 
whatever obstructs the perspiration, as lying on the damp ground, 
drinking cold liquor when the body is hot, night watching, or the 
like. 

SYMPTOMS.-A rigour or chilliness generally ushers in 

this fever, which is soon succeeded by great heat, a fiequeot and 
full pulse, pain of the head, dry :kin, redness of the eyes, a florid 
countenance, pains in the back, loins, &c. To these succeed diffi¬ 
culty of breathing, sickness, with an inclination to vomit. The 
patient complains of great thirst, has no appetite for solid food, is 
restless, and his tongue generally appears black ana rough. 

A delirium, excessive restlessness, great oppression of the breast, 
with laborious respiration, starting of the tendons, hiccup, cold 
clammy sweats, an involuntary discharge of urine, are very dange¬ 
rous symptoms. 

As this disease is always attended with danger, the best medical 
assistance ought to be procured as soon as possible. A physician 
may be of use at the beginning, but his skill is often of no avail 
afterwards. Nothing can be more unaccountable than the conduct 
of those who have it in their power, at the beginning ot a fever, to 
procure the best medical assistance, yet put it off till things come to 
an extremity. When the disease, by delay or wrong treatment, has 
become incurable, and has exhausted the strength of the.patient, it 
is vain to hope for relief from medicin^. Physicians may indeed as¬ 
sist Nature ; hut their attempts must ever prove fruitless, when she 
is no longer able to co-operate with their endeavours. 

REGIMEN.-From the symptoms of this disease, it is evi-. 

dent, that the blood and other humours require to be attenua ted; 
that the perspiration, urine, saliva, and all the other secretions, arc 
in too small quantity; that the vessels are rigid, and the heat of the 
whole body too great: all these clearly point out die necessity of a 
regimen calculated to dilute the blood, correct the acrimony of the 
humours, allay the excessive heat, remove the spasmodic structure 
of the vessels, and promote the secretions. 

These important purposes may be greatly promoted by drinking 
plentifully of diluting liquors; as water-gruel, or oaimeal-tea dear- 
whey, barley-water, balm-tea, apple-tea, &c. T hose may be sharp¬ 
ened 






OF AN ACUTE CONTINUAL FEVER. 

oped with” juice of orange, jelly of currants, raspberries, and such 
like: orange-whev is likewise an excellent cooling drink. It 
made by boiling among milk and water a bitter mange sliced, till 
the curd separates, if no orange can be had, a lemon, a little 
cream of tartar; or a few spoonfuls .of vinegar, will have the same 
effect.' Two or three spoonfuls of- white wine may occasionally be 
added to the liquor when boiling. 

If the patient be costive, an ounce of tamarinds, with two ounces 
of stoned raisins of the sun, and a couple of figs, may be boiled in 
three English pints of water to a quart. This makes a very plea¬ 
sant drink, and may be used at discretion. The edminon pectoral 
decoction is likewise a very proper drink in this disease. A tea¬ 
cup fuli of it may be taken every two hours, or oftener, if the pa¬ 
tient’s heat and thirst be very great*. 

The above liquids must alt -be drank a little warm. They may 
be used in smaller quantities at the beginning of a fever, bui raoie 
freely alter wards, in order to assist ni carrying off the disease by 
promoting the different excretions. We have mentioned a variety 
of drinks, that the patient may have it in his power to chusc those 
which are most agreeable; and that, when tired of one, ire may 
have recourse to another. 

The patient’s diet must be very spare and light. All sorts of 
flesh-meats, and even chicken-broths, are to be avoided. He may 
be allowed groat-gruel, panado, or light bread boiled in water; to 
which'may be added a few grains of common,.salt, and a little sugar, 
which will render it more palatable. He may eat roasted apples. 
with a little sugar, toasted bread, with jelly of currants, boiled * 
prunes, &c. 

It will greatly re!’eve'the patienEespeciallvin an hot season,to have 
fresh air frequently let into'his chamber. This, however, must al¬ 
ways be done in such a- manner as not to endanger his catching cold. 

It is too common: in fevers to load fhe patient with bed clothes, , 
under the pretence of making him sweat, or defending, him from 
the cold. This custom has many ill effects. It encreases the heat 
of the body, fatigues the patient, and retards, instead of promoting^ 
the perspiration., \\; 

Sitting upright in bed, if the patient is able to bear it, will often 
have a good effect. It relieves the head, by retarding the motion 
of the blood to the brain/ But this posture ought never to be con¬ 
tinued too long: and if the patient T inclined to sweat, it will be 
more safe to let him lie, only raising his head a little with pillow s. 

Sprinkling the chamber with vinegar, juice of lemon, or vinegar 
and rose water, with a little nitre dissolved in it, will greatly refresh 
the patient. 1 his ought to be done frequently, especially if the 
weather is hot. 


1 he patient’s mouth should be often washed with a mixture* of 
wmter and honey, to which a little vinegar may be added, or w'ith a 
decoction of figs in bai ley water. :. His feel and hands ought like- ■ 
wise frequently to be bathed in lukewarm waterj especially if the ‘ 
head is afiected. ; ' ; A -- tl. 


See Appendix, Pectoral decoction. 





OF AN ACUTE CONTINUAL FEVER. 95 

The patient should be kept as quiet and oa*y as possible. Company* 
uoise, and every thing that disturbs the mind, is hurtful. Even too 
winch light, or any thing that affects the sense*, ought to be avoid¬ 
ed. His attendants should be as few as possible, and they ought 
qot to be too of.en changed. His inclinations ought rather to be 
soothed than contradicted ; even the promise of what he craves will 
often satisfy him as much as its reality. 

MEDICINE.-In this and all oilier fevers, attended with a 

hard, full, quick pulse, bleeding is of the greatest importance. 
I'his operation, ought always to be performed as soon as the symp¬ 
toms of an inflammatory fever appear. The quantity of blood to 
be taken away, however, must be in proportion to the strength of the 
patient and the violence of the disease. If after the first bleeding 
the fever should increase, and the pulse become more frequent and 
hard, there will be a necessity for repeating it a second, and per- : 
haps a Ihird, or even a fourth time, which may be clone’at the dis¬ 
tance of twelve, eighteen, or twenty-four hours from each other, as 
the symptoms require. If the pulse continues soft, and the patient 
is tolerably easy after the first bleeding, it ought not to be repeated. 

If the heat and fever be . very great, forty or fifty drops of the 
dulcified or sweet spirit of nitre may be made into a draught, with 
an ounce of rose water, two ounces of common water, and half an 
ounce of simple syr.up, or a bit of loaf-sugar. This draught may 
be given to the patient every three or four hours while the fever is 
violent; afterwards once in five or six hours will be sufficient. 

If the patient be afflicted with reaching, or an inclination to vo¬ 
mit, it will be right to assist Nature’s attempt?, by giving him weak 
camomile-tea, or lukewarm water to drink. 

if the body is bound, a clyster of milk and water, with a little 
salt, and a spoonful of sweet oil or fresh butter in it, ought daily to 
be administered. Should this not have the desired effect, a tea 
spoonful of magnesia alba, or cream of tartar, may be frequently 
put into his drink. He may likewise eat tamarinds, boiled prunes, 
roasted apples, and the like. 

If ab'out the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth day, the pulse become 
more soft, the tongue moisture, and the urine begins to let fall a 
reddish sediment, there is reason to expect a favourable issue to the 
disease. But if, instead of these symptoms, the patient’s spirits 
grow languid, his pulse sinks, and .his breathing becomes difficult; 
with a stupour, trembling of the nerves, starting of the tendons, &c. 
there is reason to fear that the consequences will be fatal. In this 
c;ase blistering plasters must be applied to the head, ancles, i'nside ot 
the legs or thighs, as there may be occasion ; poultices of wheat- 
bread, mustard, and vinegar, may likewise be applied to the soles 
of the feet, and the patient must be supported with cordials, av 
strong wine-whey, negus, sago-gruel, with wine in it, and such 
like. 

A proper regimen is not only necessary during the? fever, but 
likewise after the patient begins to recover. By neglecting this, 
many relapse, or fall into other diseases, and continue valetudinary 
t fir life. Though the body is weak after a fever, yet the diet for 

some. 





OF THE PLEURISY. 


9(5. 

soms time ought to be rather light than of too nourishing a nature * 
Too much food, drink, exercise, company, &c. are carefully to be. 
avoided. Tne mind ought likewise to be kept easy, and the patient 
should not attempt to pursue study, or any business that requires 
intense thinking. 

If the digestion is bad, or the patient is seized at times with 
feverish heats, an infusion of Peruvian bark in cold water will be of T - 
use. It will strengthen the stomach, and help to subdue the re¬ 
mains of the fever. 

Wnen the patient’s strength is pretty well recovered, he ought 
to take some gentle laxative. An ounce of tamarinds and a dram of 
sena may be boded for a few minutes in an English pint of water, 
and an ounce of manna dissolved in the decoction; afterwards 
it may be strained, and a tea-cup ul drank every hour till it ope¬ 
rates. This dose may be repeated twice or thrice, five or six days 
intervening. 

Those who follow laborious employments ought not to return too 
soon to their labour after a fever, but should keep easy till their 
strength and spirits are sufficiently recruited. 


c h a p. xvi. 

OF the pleurisy. 

• 7f k % V * “ * , ; Ast- * '• 

T HE true pleurisy is an inflammation of that membrane called , 
the pleura, wnich lines the inside of the breast. It is distiiir 
guished into the most and dry. In the former, the patient spits 
freely; in the latter, little or none at all. There gs likewise a spew 
cies of this disease, which is called the spur hut, o- bcutari pleurisy, 
in which the pain is more "external, and chiefly affects tne muscles 
between the ribs. The pleurisy prevails among labouring people, 
especially such as work without doors, an l are of a sang aide consti¬ 
tution. It is most frequent in the spring season, 

CAUSES.-- Tne pleurisy may be occasioned by whatever ob» 

structs the perspiration; as cold nortnerly winds; drinking cold li¬ 
quors when the body is hot; sleeping without doors on the damo 
ground ; wet clothes; plunging the body into cold water, or expos¬ 
ing it to the cold air, when covered witn sweat, &e. It may like¬ 
wise be occasioned by drinking strong liquors; by the stoppage of 
the usual evacuations; as old ulcers, issues, sweating of the feet or 
hand;, &e. the sudden striking in of any eruption, as the itch, the 
measles, or the sm ill-pox. Tuose who have been accustomed to 
bleed at a certain season of the year are apt, if they neglect it, to ' 
be seized with a pleurisy. Keeping the body too warm by means 
of fire, clothe;, &6. renders it more liable to this disease. A pleu¬ 
risy may like .vise be occasioned by violent exercise, as running, 
wrestling, leaping, or by supporting great weight, blows on the 
breast, &c. A bad conformation of the body renders persons more 
liable to this disease, as a narrow chest, a straitness of the arteries of 
he pleura, &c. SYMPTOMS. 








SYMTOMS.-This, like mo«t other fever';, generally begins 

With chilliness and shivering, w hich are followed by heat, thirst, and 
restlessness. To these succeeds a violent pricking pain in one of 
the sides among the ribes Sometimes the pain extends towards 
the back-bone, someiimes towards the forepart of the breast, and 
at other times towards the shoulder blades. The pain is generally 
most violent when the patient draw's his breath. 

The pulse in this disease is commonly quick and hard, the urine 
high coloured; and if blood be let, it is covered with a tough crust, 
or huffy coat. The patient's spittle is at first thin, but afterwards 
it becomes grosser, and is often streaked with blood. 

REGIMEN..-Nature generally endeavours to carry off 

this disease by a critical discharge of blood from some part of the 
body, by expectoration, sweat, loose stools, thick urine, or the like. 
W e ought therefore to second her intentions by lessening the force 
of the circulation, relaxing the vessels, diluting the humours, and 
promoting expectoration. 

For these purposes the diet, as in the former disease, ought to be 
cool, slender, and diluting. The patient must avoid all food that is 
viscid, hard ofdigestion, or that affords much nourishment: as flesh, 
butter, cheese, eggs, milk, and also every thing that is of a heating 
nature. His drink may be whey, or an infusion of pectoral and 
bal samic vegetables*. 

Barley-water, w ith a little honey or jelly of currants mixed with 
it, is likewise a very * roper drink in this disease. It is made by 
b’oiling an ounce of pearl-barley in three English pints of water to 
two, which must aftei wards be strained. The decoction of figs; 
raisins, barley, recommenced in ti e preceding disease, is here like¬ 
wise wry proper. T he e and odier diluting iiquors are not to be 
'drank in large quantities at a time; but the patient ought to keep 
Continually sipping them, so as to render his mouth and throat al¬ 
ways moist. All his fooc; and drink should be taken a little warm. 

The patient should he kept qinet, reel, and every way easy, as 
directed under the foregoing disease. Elis feet and hands ought 
daily to be bathed in lukewaiin water: and he may sometimes sit 
up in bed for a short space, in order to re lie e his head. 

MEDICINE-Almost every pei m know s, when a fever 

is attended with a violent pain of the side, and a quick hard pulse, 
that bleeding is necessary. When these symp.cins come on, the 
sooner this operation is perfoimed the better; and the quantity at 
first must be pretty large, provided the patient is able to bear it. A 
large quantity of blood let at once, ;n the beginning of a pleurisy, 
has a much better effect than repeated small bleedings. A man 
Inay lose twelve or fourteen ounces of blood as soon as it is cer¬ 
tainly known that he is seized with a pleurisy. For a younger per¬ 
son, or one of a delicate constitution, the quantity must be less. 

If, after the first bleeding, the stitch,with the other violent symp¬ 
toms/should still continue, it will he necessary, at the distance of 
twelve or 'eighteen hours, to let eight or nine ounces more . 

* See Appendix, Pectoral infusion. 









O F T HE PLEURIS Y. 


If the symptoms do not then abate, and the, blood shews a strong 
huffy coat, a third or even a, lour! h bleeding mav be requisite. If* 
(the pain of (lie side abates, the pulse heroines'softer., or the patient 
begins to spit freely, bleeding ought not to be repeated. 1 his open 
ration is seldom necessary after the third or fourth day of. the fever, 
and ought not then to be performed, unless in the most urgent cir¬ 
cumstances. ‘ : 


The blood msybe many ways attenuated without bleeding, 
i There are likewise many "things that mav be done to ease the pain 
of the side without this Operation, as fomenting, blistering, &c. 
Fomentations may be'made by boiling a handful of the flowers of el 1 
tier, camomile,.and comiucn mallows, or any other soft vegetables .if* 
a .proper epuantity of water. The herbs may be either put into a 
flannel hag, and applied-warm to the-side, or flannels may be dip¬ 
ped in the decoction, afterwards wrung out, and applied to the 
part affected, with as much warmth as the patient dan easily bear. 
A.e the clothes grow cool, they*, must be changed, and l great care 
taken that the patient do not catch'cold. A bladder may be filled 
•with warm milk, and water, and applied to (lie side, if the abovt; 
method of fomenting be found inconvenient.' Fomentations- not only 
ease the pain, but relax , the vessels, and prevent the stagnation of 
the blood and Other humours. The side may 1 ktwise be frequent¬ 
ly rubbed with a little of the volatile liniment.* 

Topical bleeding has often a very good '-Feet in this disease. 
It may either be performed by applying a number of leeches to the 
part a flee ted, or by clipping, which is both a more certain and ex¬ 
peditious method than the other.- , . 

Leaves of various plants- might likewise be applied to the pa¬ 
tient's side with adva.itage. I have often seen great benefit from 
young cabbage leaves applied warm to the side in a pleurisy. These 
•not only relax, the parts. but likewise draw off a little moisture* 
■and may prevent the necessity of blistering-plasters; which how¬ 
ever, when other things tail, must be applied. ‘ 

If the stitch continues after repeated bleedings, fomentations,^*, 
a blistering-plaster must be applied over the part allycted, and suf¬ 
fered to remain for .two da”s. - This not only procures a discharge 
ficm the. side, but takes olf the spasm,’ and by that means assists iu 
removing the cause ot :t he,-disease* To prevent a straiiguary when 
the blistering-plaster is on, the patient may drink finely of the. 
Arabic emulsion.f 


If the patient is costive, a clyster of thin water-gruel, or of bar¬ 
ic \- water, in which a handful of mallowsyor any other emollient 
vegetable has been boiled, may be daily administered. This will 
not only empty the bowels, but have the effect of a wahn- fomenta¬ 
tion applied to the interior viscera, which will help to make a deri¬ 
vation from the breast. 

The expectoration may be promoted by sha.rpe, oily, and muci¬ 
laginous medicines. For this put pose an ounce of the oxvmel, or 


* 5-ee Appendix, Volatile liximent-. 
t See Appendix, Arabic emulsion. * 

flic 



OF THE PLEURISY. 


99 


vinegar of squills, may be added to six ounces of the pectoral 
decoction, and two table-spoonfuls of it taken, every two hours. 

Should the squill disagree with the stomach, the oily emulsion 
may be administered^.; or, jn place of it, two ounces of the oil of 
Sweet almonds, oronqf olives, and two ounces of the syrup of viq- 
iCts may be mixed with as much sugar-candy powdered, as will 
make an electuary or the consistence of honey. The patient may 
take a tea-spoonful of this frequently, when the cough is troublesome. 
Should oily medicines prove nuseous, which is sometimes the case, 
two table-spoonfuls of the solution of gum ammoniac in barley- 

water may be given three or four times a-dayf- 

If the patient does not perspire, but has a burning heat upon his 
skin, and passes very little water, some small doses of putrilied ni¬ 
tre and comphire will be of use. Two drams of the former may 
be rubbed with five or six grains of the latter in a mortar, and the 
whole divided into six doses, one of which may be taken every five 
or six hours, in a little of the patient's ordinary drink. 

We shall only mention one medicine more, which some reckon 
almost a specific in the pleurisy, viz. the decoction qf the seneka 
rattle-snake rootj. After bleeding and other evacuations.have been 
premised, the patient may take tvvo^ three, or four table-spoonfuls of 
this decoction, according as his stomach will bear it, three or four 
times a-day. If it should occasion vomiting, two or three ounces of 
simple cinnamon-water may he mixed with the quantity of decoction 
here directed, or it may be taken in smaller doses. As this medi¬ 
cine promotes perspiration and urine, .and likewise keeps the body 
easy, it may be of some service in a pleurisy, or any other inflamma¬ 
tion of the breast. ,. . * i 

No one will imagine that these medicines arc, all to be used at 
the same time. We have mentioned different things, on purpose 
that people may have it in their power to chase; and likewise, that 
when one cannot be obtained, they may make use of another. Dif¬ 
ferent medicines are no doubt necessary in the different periods of 
a disorder; anclwhere one fails of success, or disagrees with the 
patient, it wilt be proper to try another. 

What is called the crisis or height of the fever, is sometimes at¬ 
tended with very alarming symptoms, as difficulty of breathing, an 
irregular pulse, convulsive motions, &c., I hese are apt to frighten 
the attendants, and induce them to do improper things, as bleeding 
the patient, giving him strong stimulating niedicines, or the like. 
But they are only the struggles of Nature to overcome the disease, 
in which she ought to be assisted by plenty of diluting drink, wni<"h 
is then peculiarly necessary. If, the patient’s strengtn however Lc 
much exhausted by the disease, it will be necessary, at this time to 
support him with frequent small draughts of wine-whey, negus, or 
ihe like. 


* See Appendix, Oily emulsion. 

•f See Appendix, Solution of. gum ammoniac. 
| See Appendix, Decoction of seneka root. 


vVhen 




*oo OF A FERIPNEUMONY. 

« 

When the pain and fever are gone, it will be proper, alter the pa¬ 
tient ha<5 recovered sufficientstrength, to give him some gentle purge?, 
as those directed towards the end of an acute continual lever. He 
ought likewise to use a light diet, of easy digestion, and his drink 
shoukPbe butter-mi ik, wl'.ey, and other things of a cleansing nature. 

Of the B A S T A R D P i E U Il IS Y. 

That species of pleurisy which is called the bastard or spurious, 
o-enerally goes off by keeping warm for a few days, 'drinking plenty 
of diluting liquors, and observ ing a cooling regimen. 

It is known by a dry cough, a quick pulse, and a difficulty of 
King on the affected side, which last does not always happen in the 
true pleurisy Sometimes indeed this disease proves obstinate, and 
requires bleeding, with cupping, and scarifications of the part af¬ 
fected. These/together with the use of nitrous and other cooling 
medicines, seldom tail to affecr a cure. 


Of the PARA P H R E NIT I S. 

*lT,e parapreniiis, or in'fian^Kta'ion• of the diaphragm, is so nearly 
connected with the pleurisy, and resembles it so much in the man¬ 
ner of treatment, that it is scarce necessary to consider it as a se¬ 
parate disease. 

It is attended with a very acute fever, and an extreme pain in 



els to prevent the motion of the diaphragm; is restless, anxious, 
has a dry cough, a hiccup, and often a delirium. A convulsivV 
laugh, or father a kind of involuntary grin, is no uncommon symp¬ 
tom of this di-ease. 

Every method must be taken to prevent a suppuration, as it is 
impossible to save the patient's life when this happens. The regi¬ 
men and medicine are in all respects the same as in the pleurisy. 
We shall only add, that in this disease, emollient clysters are pecu¬ 
liarly au sc fid, as they relax the bowels, and by that; means make a 

J ^ j j 

derivation from the part atiected. 


C II A P. XVII. 

OF A PERIPNEUMONY,OR INFLAMMATION 

OF THE LUNGS. 



upon 







OF A PERIPNEUMONY. 


101 


upon gross aliment, and drink strong viscid liquors, are most liable 
to a peripneurrfcsny. It is generally fatal to (hose who have a flat 
breast, or narrow chest, and to such as are afflicted with an asthma, 
especially in the decline of life. Sometimes the inflammation 
reaches to one lobe cf the lungs only, at other times the whole of 
the organ is affected; in which case the disease can hardly fail to 
prove fatal 

When the disease proceeds from a viscid pituitous matter ob¬ 
structing the ve sols of the lungs, it is called a spurious or bastard 
peripneumony. When it arises from a thin acrid deduction on the 
lungs, it is denominated a catarrhal peripneumony &c. 

CAUSES ——r-r—An inflammation of the Jungs, is sometimes a 
primary disease, and sometimes it is the. consequence of oilier dis¬ 
eases, as a quinsey, a pleurisy, &c. It proceeds from the same 
causes as the pleurisy, tiz. an obstructed perspiration from cold, 
wet clothes, &e. or from an increased circulation of the blood by 
violent exercise, the use of spieeries, ardent spirits, ! and such like. 
The pleurisy and peripneumony are often complicated; in which 
case the disease is called a pleuro-peripneamony. 

SYMPTOMS.'-Most of the symptoms of a pleurisy like¬ 

wise attend an inflammation of the lungs; only in the latter the 
pulse is more soft, and the pain less acute; but the difficulty of 
breathing, and oppression of the breast, are generally greater. 

REGIMEN.—--As the regimen and medicine are in all re¬ 

spects the same in the true peripneumony as in the pleurisy, we 
shall not here repeat them, but refer the* reader to the treatment of 
that disease. It may not however be improper to add, that the ali¬ 
ment ought to be more slender and thm in this than in any otl^r in¬ 
flammatory disease. The learned Dr. Arbuthnot asserts, that even 
common whey is sufficient to support the patient, and that decoc.-* 
lions of barley, and infusions of fennel roots in warm water with 
milk, are the most proper both for drink and nourishment. He 
likewise recommends the steam of warm water taken in by the 
breath, which serves as a kind of internal fomentation, and helps to 
attenuate the impacted humours;* If the patient has loose stools, 
but is not weakened by them, they are not to be stopped, but ra¬ 
ther promoted by .the use of cmolleint clysters. 

It lias already been observed, that the spurious or bastard peri¬ 
pneumony is occasioned by a viscid pituitous matter obstructing the 
vessels of the lungs. It commonly attacks the old,, infirm, and 
phlegmatic, in winter and wet seasons. 

The patient at the beginning is cold and .hot by turns, has a small 
quick pulse, feels a sense of ,weight upon his breast, breathes with 
difficulty, and sometimes complains of a pain and giddiness of his 
head. His urine is usually pale, and l is colour very little changed. 

The diet, in this as well as in the true peripneumony, must be 
very slender, as weak broths, sharpened with the juice of orange 
or lemon, and such like. His drink may be thin water-gruel sweet¬ 
ened with honey, or a decoction of the roots of fennel, liquorice, 
and quick grass. An ounce of each of these may be boiled in three 
English pints of water to a quart, and sharpened with a little cur¬ 
rant-jelly, or the like, ' Bleeding 









O F. CONS U M P T ION S. 


Bleeding and purging are generally proper at the beginning of. 
this disease; but-if the patient’s spittle is pretty thick, or well con-' 
cocted, neither of them are necessary. It will be sufficient to as¬ 
sist the expectoration by Some of the sharpe medicines recommend¬ 
ed for that purpose in the pleurisy, as the solution of gum-ammoniac 
with oxymel of squills, &c. Blistering-plasters have generally a 
good efleet, and ought to be applied pretty early. 

If the patient does not spit-, he’ must be bled according as Ins 
strength will permit, and have a gentle purge administered. After¬ 
wards his body may be kept open by clysters, and the expectora¬ 
tion promoted, by' taking every four hours two table-spoonfuls of 
the solution mentioned above, '' 

-When an inflammation of the breast does not yield to bleeding, 
blistering, and other evacuations, it commonly ends in a suppura¬ 
tion, which is more or less dangerous, according to the part where 
it is situated. When this happens in the pleura, it sometimes breaks 
outwardly, and the matter is discharged by the wound. 

When the suppuration happens within the substance or body of 
the lungs, the matter may be discharged by expectoi a Lion ; but if 
the matter floats in the cavity of the breast, between the pleura and 
the lungs, it can only be discharged by an incision made betw ixt 
the ribes. 

If the patient’s strength does not return after the. inflammation is 
to all appearance removed; if his pulse continues quick though 
soft, his breathing difficult and oppressed'; if he has cold shivering* 
at times, his cheeks flushed; Iris lips dry; and if he complains of 
thirst, and want of appetite, there is reason to fear a suppuration, 
and that a phthisis or consumption of the lungs will ensue. We 
shall therefore next proceed to consider the proper treatment of 
that disease. 1 


c H A P. XVIII. 

OF CONSUMPTIONS. 



A CONSUMPTION is a wasting or decay of the whole body 
from an ulcer, tubercles, or concretions of the lungs, an em¬ 
pyema, a nervous atrophy, or cachexy. 

Dr. Arbuthnot observes, that in his time consumptions made up 
above one tenth-part of the bills of mortality in and about Lon¬ 
don. There is reason to believe they have rather increased since; 
and we know from experience,* that they are not less'fatal in some 
other towns of England than in London. 

Young persons, between the age of fiteen and thirty, of a slender 
make, long neck, high shoulders, and fat breasts, ate most liable 
to this disease. 

Consumptions prevail more in England than in any other part 
©f the world, Owing perhaps to the great use of animal food and 
malt liquors, the general application to sedentary employments, and 

the ■ I 





OF CONSUMPTIONS. loa 

the great quantity of pit-coal which is there burnt; to which wq 
may add the perpetual changes in the atmosphere, or variableness 
of the wea'her- 

CAUSES.-It has already been observed, that an inflamma¬ 

tion of the breast often ends in an irnposthume: consequently what¬ 
ever disposes people to this disease, must bitwise be considered as a 
cause of consumption. 

Other diseases', by vitiating the habit, may likewise occasion con¬ 
sumptions; as the scurvy, the scrophula, or king's evil, the venerai 
disease, the asthma, sinai 1-pox, measles, &c. 

As this disease is seldom cured, we shall endeavour the more par¬ 
ticularly to point out its causes, in order that people may be enabled 
to avoid it. These are : 

-Confined or unwholsome air. When this fluid is impreg¬ 
nated witii the fumes of metals or minerals, it proves extremely 
hurtful to the lungs, and often corrodes the tender vessels of that 
necessary organ. 

-Violent passions, exertions, or affections of the mind; as 

grief, disappointment, anxiety, or close application to the study of 
abstruse arts or sciences. 

-Great evacuations; as sweating, diarrhoeas, diabetes, exces¬ 
sive venery, the fluor albus, an over-discharge of the menstrual 
flux, giving suck too long, tkc. 

-The sudden stoppage of, customary evacuations; as the 

bleeding piles, sweating of the feet, bleeding at Ue nose, the 
menses, issues, ulcers, or eruptions of any kind- 1 

-Injuries done to the lungs, calculi, &jc. I lately saw the 

symptoms of a phthisis occasioned by a small bone sticking in the 
bronchce. It was afterwards vomitted along with a considerable 
quantity of purulent matter, and the patient, by a proper regimen, 
and the use of the Peruvian bark, recovered. 

-Making a sudden transition from a hot to a very cold cli¬ 
mate, change of apparel, or vyhatever greatly lessens the perspira¬ 
tion. 1 

-Frequent and excessive debaucheries. Late watching, and 

drinking strong'liquors, which generally go together, can hardly fail 
to destroy the lungs. Hence the bon compcitiion generally falls a 
sacrifice to this disease. 

-Infection. Consumptions are likewise caught by sleeping 

with the diseased; for which reason this should be carefully avoid¬ 
ed. It cannot be of great benefit to the sick, and must hurt those 
in health. 

-Occupations in life. Those artificers who sit much, and are 

constantly leaning forward, or pressing upon the stomach and breast, 
as cutlers, taylors, shoe-makers, Seamstresses, &c. often die of ‘con¬ 
sumptions. They likewise prove fatal to singers, and all who have 
occasion to make frequent and violent exertions of the lungs. 

-Cold. More consumptive patients date the beginning of 

their disorders from wet feet, damp beds, night air, wet clothes, or 
catching cold after the body had been heated, than from all other 
pauses. 

* Sharpe 













avt 


vjr 


^ i\ a u M r 11 U- .JN b. 

Sharpe, saline, and aromatic aliments, which heat and inflame , 
the blood, are likewise frequently the cause of consumptions. 

We shall only add, that this disease is often owing to an heredita- . 
ry taint,or a scrophulous habit; in which case it is generally incurable. 

SYMPTOMS-—This disease generally begins with a dry 

cough, which often continues for some months. If a disposition 
to vomit after eating be excited by it, there is still greater reason 
to fear an approaching consumption. The patient complains of a 
more than, usual degree of heat, a pain and oppression of the breast, 
especially after motion ; his spittle is of a saltish taste, and some-, 
times mixed with blood. He is apt to be sad; his appetite is bad, 
and his thirst great. There is generally a quick, soft, small 
pulse; though sometimes the pulse is pretty full, and rather hard. 
These are the common symptoms of a beginning consumption. 

Afterwards the patient begins to spit a greenish, white, or bloody 
matter. His body is extenuated by the hectic fever, and colliqua¬ 
tive sweats, which mutually succeed one another, viz. the one to¬ 
wards night, and the other in the morning. A looseness, and an 
excessive discharge of urir.c, are often troublesome symptoms at 
this time, and greatly weakens the patient. There is a burning 
heat in the palms of the hands, and the face generally flushes after 
eating; the Zingers become remarkable small, the nails are bent in¬ 
ward',, and the hairs fall off. 

At last the swelling, of the feet and legs, the total loss of strength, 
the sinking of the eyes, the difficulty of swallowing, and the cold¬ 
ness of the extremities, shew the immediate approach of death, 
which however the patient seldom believes to be so near. Such is 
the U'lial progress of this fatal disease, which., if not early checked* 
commonly sets ail medicine at defiance. 

REGIMEN.-—On the first appearance of a consumption, if 

the patient lives in a large town, or any place where the air is con¬ 
fined, he ought immed ately to quit it, and to make choice of a situ¬ 
ation in the country, where the air is pure and free. Here he must 
not remain inactive, but take every day as much exercise as he can 
bear. 

The best method of, taking exercise is to ride on horseback, as 
this gives the body a great deal of motion without much fatigue. 
Such as cannot bear this kind of exercise, must make use of a car¬ 
riage. A long journey, as it amuses the mind by a continual change _ 
of objects, is greatly preferable to riding the same ground over and 
over. Care however must be taken to avoid catching cold from 
wet clothes, damp beds, or the like. The patient ought always to 
finish his ride in the morning, or at least before dinner; otherwise 
it will oftener do harm than good. 

It is pity those who attend the sick seldom recommend riding irk . 
this disease, till the patient is either unable to bear it, or (he malady 
has become incurable. Patients are likewise apt to trifle with eve¬ 
ry thing that is in their own power. They cannot see how one of 
the common actions of life should prove a remedy in an obstinate 
disease, and therefore they reject it, while they greedily hunt after 
relief from medicine, merely because they do not understand it. 

Those 





OF CONSUMPTIONS. 103 

Those who have strength and courage to undertake a pretty long 
voyage, may expect great advantage from it. This, to my know¬ 
ledge, has frequently cured a consumption after the patient was, to 
all appearance, far advanced in that disease, and where medicine 
had proved ineffectual. Hence it is reasonable to conclude, that if 
•a voyage were undertaken in due time, it would seldom tail to per¬ 
form a cure*. 

Such as try this method of cure ought to carry as milch fresh pro¬ 
visions along with them as will serve for the whole time they are at 
sea. As milk is not easilv obtained in this situation, they ought to 
live upon fruits, and the broth of chickens, or other young animals 
Which can be kept alive on board. It Is scarcely necessary to add', 
that such voyages should be undertaken, if possible, in the mildest 
season, and that they ought to be towards a warmer climatef. 

Those who have not courage for a long voyage may travel into 
a more southern climate, as the south of France, Spain, or Portugal; 
‘'and if they find the air of these countries agree with them, they 
should continue there at least till their health be confirmed. 

Next to proper air and exercise, we would recommend a due at¬ 
tention to diet. The patient should eat nothing that is either heat¬ 
ing or hard of digestion, and Ids drink must be of a soft and cool¬ 
ing nature. All the diet ought to be calculated to lessen the acri¬ 
mony of the humours, and to nourish and support the patient. For 
this purpose he must keep chiefly to the use of vegetables and milk. 
Milk alone is of more value in this disease than the whole materia, 
viedica. 

Asses milk is commonly reckoned preferable to any other; but it 
cannot always be obtained ; besides, it is generally taken in a very 
small quantity; whereas, to produce any effects, it ought to make a 
considerable part of the patient’s diet, it is hardly to be expected, 
that a gill or two of asses milk, drank in the space of twenty-four 
hours, should be able to produce any considerable charge in the hu¬ 
mours of an adult; and when people do not perceive i.s effects 
soon, (hey loose hope, and so leave it off. Hence it happens that 
this medicine, however valuable, very seldom performs a cure. 
The reason is obvious ; it is commonly used too late, is taken in too 
small quantities, and is not duly persisted in. 

I have known very extraordinary tfleets from asses milk in ob¬ 
stinate coughs, which threatened a consumption of the lungs; and 
do verily believe, if used at this peiiod, that it would seldom fail; 
but if it be delaved till an ulcer is foimed, which is generally the 
case, how can it be expected to succeed ? 

* Two things chiefly operate to prevent the benefits which would arife 
front failing. The one is, that ph\ {khans feldo'm order it till the difeafe is 
too far advanced; and the other is, r hat they feldt-m order a voyage of a 
fuffeient length. A patient may receive no benefit by eroding the channel, 
who, flyould he erofs the Atlantic, might be completely cured. Indeed we 
have reafon to believe, that a voyage of this kind, if taken in due time; 
would feidom. fail to cure a confjamption. 

j Though i do not remember to have feen one infiance of a genuine coni 
furr.ption of the lungs cured by medicine, yet I have known a 
Voyage work wonders in that dreadful difordeh 


A s°-r" 


406 


OF CONSUMPTIONS. 


Asses milk ought to be drank, if possible, in its natural warmth;, 
and by a grown.person, in the quantity of half an English pint at a 
time. Instead of taking this quantity night and morning only, the 
patient ought to take it four times 4 , or at least thrice a-day, and to eat 
a little light bread along with it, so as to make it a kind of meal. 

If the milk should happen to purge, it may be mixed with cold 
conserve of roses. When that cannot be obtained, the powder of 
crabs claws may be used in its stead. Asses .milk is usually order¬ 
ed to be drank warm in bed; but as it general!v throws the patient 
in a sweat when taken in this way, it would perhaps be better to 
give it after he rises'. 

Some extraordinary cures in consumptive cases have been perform¬ 
ed by women’s milk. Could this be obtained in a Sufficient quantityj 
we would recommend it in preference to any other. It is better if 
the patient can suck ft from .the, breast, than to drink it afterwards. 
I knew a man who was reduced to such a degree of weakness in a 
consumption, as not to be able to turn himself in bed. His wife 
was at that time giving.slick, and the child happening to die, he suck¬ 
ed her breasts, not with a view to reap any advantage from the 
milk, but to make her easy. Finding himself however greatly be¬ 
nefited by it, he continued to suck.her till he became perfectly well, 
and is at present a strong and healthy man. 

Some prefer butter-milk to any other, and it is indeed a very va* 
luable medicine, if the stomach be able to bear it. It does not agree 
with every person at first; and is therefore often laid aside without 
a sufficient trial. It should at first be taken sparingly, and the 
quantity gradually increased, until it comes to be almost the sole 
food. I never knew it succeed unless where the Patient almost 

T * * A 

lived upon it. 

Cows milk is most readily obtained of atvy, add though it be not so 
easily digested as that of asses or maresq it may be rendered lighter 
by adding to it an equal quantity of barley-water, or allowing it to 
stand for some hours, and afterwards taking off the cream. If it 
should notwithstanding prove heavy on the stomach, a small quan¬ 
tity of brandv or rum. With a little sugar, may be added, which will 
render it both mole lioffit and nourishing. 

It is not to be wondered, that milk should for some time disagree 
with a stomach that has not been accustomed to digest any thing 
but flesh and strong liquors, which is the case with many of those 
who fall into consumptions. We do not however advise those wh® 
have been accustomed to animal food and strong liquors, to leave 
them off’ all at once. This might be dangerous. It will be neces¬ 
sary for such ?o eat a little once a day of the flesh of some young 
animal, or rat her to use the broth made of chickens, veal, lamb, or 
such like. They ought likewise to drink a little wine made into 
negus, or diluted with twice or thrice its quantity of water, and to 
make it gradually weaker till they can leave it off altogether. 

These must be used only as preparatives to a diet consisting 
chiefly of milk and vegetables, which the sooner the patient can be 
brought to boar, the better. Rice and milk, or barley and milk, 
boiled with a little sugar, is very proper food. Ripe fruits roasted/ 

Hiked 


OF CONS U M P T I O N S. 


1 r '' 
J yj 


baked or boiled, are likewise proper, at goo'-e or currants berry 
tarts, apples roasted, or boiled in milk, &c. The jellies, conserves, 
and preserves, &c. of ripe subacid fruits, ought to be eaten plenti¬ 
fully, as the jelly of currants, conserve of roses, preserved plums:, 
cherries, Sic. 

Wholesome air, proper exercise, and a diet consisting chiefly of 
these and other vegetables, with milk, is the only course that can 
be depended on in a beginning < onsuinption. If the patient has 
strength and sufficient resolution to persist in this course, he will sel¬ 
dom be disappointed of a c ure. 

In a populous town in England*, where consumptions are very 
common, I have frequently seen consumptive patients, who had 
been sent to the country with orders toiide, and live upon milk 
and vegetables, return in a few months quite plump, and flee from 
any complaint. This indeed was not always--the case, especially 
when ihe disease was hereditary, or far advanced; but it was the 
only method in which success was to be expected: where it failed, 

I never knew medicine succeed. 

If the patient's strength and spirits flag, he must be supported by 
strong broths, jellies, and suchlike. Some recommend shell fish 
in this disorder, and with some reason, as they are nourishing and 
restorativef. All tha food and drink ought however to be taken 
in small quantities, lest an over charge of fresh chyle should oppress 
the lungs, and too much accelerate the circulation of the blood. 

The patient's mind ought to be kept as easy and cheerful as pos¬ 
sible. Consumptions are often occasioned, and alway aggravated, 
by a melancholy cast of mind ; for which reason music, cheerful 
company, and every thing that inspires mirth, are highly beneficial. 
The patient ought seldom to be left alone, as brooding over his ca¬ 
lamities is sure to render him worse. 

MEDICINE.--Though the cure of this disease depends 

chiefly upon regimen and the patient’s own endeavours, yet we shall 
mention a few things which may be of service in relieving some of 
the more violent symptoms. 

In the first stage of a consumption, the cough may sometimes be 
appeased by bleeding; anti (he expectoration may be promoted by 
the following medicines. Take fresh squills, gum-ammoniac, and 
powdered cardamum seeds, of each a quarter of an ounce; beat 
them together in a mortar, and if the mass proves too hard for pills, 
a little of any kind of syrup may be added to it. This may be 
formed into pills of a moderate size, and four or five of them taken 
twice or thrice a-day, according as the patient's stomach will bear 
them. , 

The lac amnoniacum, or milk of gum-ammoniac, as it is called, is 
likewise a proper medicine in this stage of the disease.. If may be 
used as directed in the pleurisy. 


* Sheffield. 

f I have often known perfons of a confumptive habit, where the 
toms were not violent,, reap' great benefit from the ule cf oy tiers. il#^y 
generally eat them raw, and drink the juice along with them. 

K. A mixture 



10 ' 


v> 


OF CO N S U M P TIOK S. 


A mixture made of equal j>ar<s of lemon-juice, fine honey, and , 
syrup of poppies, may likewise be used. Four ounces of each of 
these mav be simmered together in a sauce-par, over a gentle tire, 
and a table-spoonful of it taken at any time when the cough is 
troublesome. 

It is common in this stage of the disease to load the patient’s 
stomach yvitii oily and balsamic medicines. These, instead of re¬ 
moving the came of the disease, tend father to incrca-e it by heat-.. 
ing the blood, while they pall the appetite, relax the solids, and 
prove every way hurtful to the patient. Whatever is used for re¬ 
moving the cough, besides riding and othc-r proper regimen, ought 
to be medicines of a sharp and cleansing nature; as oxynfel, syrup 
of lemon, £gc. 

. Acids seem to have pecu’iarly good effects in this disease j they 
both tend to quench the patient's thirst and to cool the blood. The 
vegetable acids, as .apples, oranges, lemons, &c. appear to be the 
most proper. I have known patients suck the juice of several 
lemons every day with manifest advantage, and would for this rea¬ 
son recommend, acid vegetables to be taken in as great quantity as 
the stomach iviil bear them. 

For the patient’s drink, we would fecommehd infusions of the 
bitter plants, as ground-ivy, the lesser centaury, camomile flowers, 
or watef-trefp’ll These infusions may be drank at pleasure. They 
strengthen the stomach, promote digestion, and at the same time 
answer all the purposes of dilution, and quench thirst much better 
than things that afe-luscious or sweet. But if the patient spits 
blood, he ought to use, for his ordinary drink, infusions or decoc¬ 
tions of the vulnerary roots, plants, fire.* 

There are many other mucijkgihous plants and seeds, of a heal¬ 
ing and agglutinating nature, from which decoctions or infusions, 
may be prepared with the same intention: as the orefces, the quince- 
seed,' coltsfoot, linseed, sarsaparilla, &x\ . It is not necessary to mem 
lion the different ways in winch these may be prepared.’ Simple 
infusion of boiling is all that is necessary, and the dose may be at 
discretion. . ...- c. 

The conserve of rosef is here peculiarly proper. It may either 
be put p’-o the decoct ion above prescribed, or feat on by itself. 
No benefit is to be expected from trifling doses of this medicine, 

I never khe\* it of any .service^ unless where three or four ounces 
at least vvei*e used daily for a considerable time. In this way I 
have seen it produce very happy effects, and would recommend it 
wherever there is a discharge of blood from the lungs. - 
. When the spitting up of gross matter, oppression of the breast, 
and the hectic symptoms, shew that an imposthume is formed in the 
lungs, we would recommend the. Peruvian bark, that being the on¬ 
ly drug which has any chance to counteract the general tendency 
which the humours then have to putrefaction. 

An ounce of the bark in pow'der may be divided into eighteen or 
twenty doses, of which one may be taken every three hours through 
the day, in a little syrup, or a cup of horehound tea. 


* See Appendix, ■Vui.nf.r ary decoction. 


If 


OF CONSUMPTIONS. 10% 

If the bark should happen to purge, it may be made into an elec¬ 
tuary, with the conserve of roses, thus: Take old conserve of ro^es 
a quarter of a pdund, Peruvian bark a quarter of an ounce, syrup 
of orange or lemon, as much as will make it of the consistence of 
honey. This quantity will serve the patient four or five days, and 
may be repealed as there is occasion. 

Such as cannot take the bark in substance, may infuse it in cold 
water. This seems to be the best menstruum for extracting the 
virtues of that drug. Half an ounce of bark in powder may be 
infused for twenty-four hours in half an English pint of water. 
Afterwards let it be passed through a fine strainer, and an ordinary 
tea-cupful of it taken three or four times a-day. 

We would not recommend the baik while there are any symp¬ 
toms of an inflammation of the breast; but'when it is certainly 
known that matter is collected there, it is one of the best medicines 
which can be used. Few patients indeed have resolution enough 
to give the bark a fair tr.ial at this period of the disease, other¬ 
wise we have reason to believe that some benefit might be reaped 
from it. 

When it is evident that there is an imposthume in the breast, and 
the matter can neither be spit up nor carried off by absorption, the 
patient must endeavour to make it break inwardly, by chawing in 
the steams of warm water, or vinegar, with his breath, coughing, 
laughing, or bawling aloud, &rc. When it happens to burst within 
the lungs, the matter may be discharged by the mouth. Sometimes 
indeed the bursting of the vomica occasions immediate death by 
suffocating the patient. When the quantity of matter is gieai, and 
the patient's strength exhausted, this is commonly the case. At any 
rate the patient is ready to fall into a swoon, and should have vola¬ 
tile salts or spirits held to his nose. 

If the matter discharged be thick, and the cough and breathing 
become easier, there may be seme hopes of a cure. The diet at 
this time ought to be light, but restorative, as chicken-broths, sago- 
gruel, rice-milk, Sec. the drink, butter-milk or whey, sweetened with 
honey. This is likewise a proper time for using the Peruvian bark, 
w hich may be taken as directed above. 

If the vomica or imposthume should discharge itself into the ca¬ 
vity of the breast, between the pleura and the lungs, there is no 
way of getting the matter out but by an incision, as has already 
been observed. As this operation must always be performed by a 
surgeon, it is not necessary here to describe it. We shall only add, 
that it is not so dreadful as people are apt to imagine, and that it 
is the only chance the patient in this case has for his life. 

A NERVOUS CONSUMPTION is a wasting or decay of the 
whole body, without any considerable degree of fever, cough, or 
difficulty of breathing. It is attended with indigestion, weakness, 
and want of appetite, Sec. 

Those who are of a fretful temper, who indulge in spirituous li¬ 
quors, or w r ho breathe an unwholesome air, are most liable to this 
disease. * 

We 


112 


OF THE NERVOUS FEVER. 

For this purpose his gruel, panado, or whatever food he takes, must 
Be mixed with wine according as.the symptoms may require. Pret¬ 
ty strong wine-whey, or small negus sharpened with the juice of 
orange or lemon, will be proper for his ordinary drink. Mostard- 
whey is likewise a very proper drink in this lever, and may be 
Tendered an excellent cordial medicine by the addition of a proper 
quantity of white-wine*. 

“ Wine in this disease, if it could be obtained genuine, is almost 
the only medicine that would he necessary. Good wine possesses 
all the virtues of the cordial medicines, while it is free from many 
of their bad qualities l ''■ay good wine; for however common this 
article of luxury is now become, it is rarely to be obtained genu¬ 
ine, especially by the poor, ivuo are'obliged to purchase it in small 
quantities. 

I have often seen patients in low nervous fevers where the pulse 
could hardly be felt, with a constant delirium, coldness of the ex¬ 
tremities, and almost every other mortal symotom, recover by using 
in whey, gruel, and negus, a bottle or two of strong wine every 
day. Good old sound claret is the best, and may be made into 
negus, or given by itself, as circumstances require. 

In a word, the great aim in this disease is to support the patient's 
strength, by giving him frequently small quantities of the above, or 
other drinks of a warm and cordial nature. He is not however to 
be overheate 1 either with liquor or clothes; and his food ought to 
Be light, and given in small quantities. 

MEDJCINE.-•When a nausea, load, and sickness at stp- 

:*nacH, prevail at the oegmning of the fever, it will be necessary to 
give the patient a gentle vomit. Fifteen or twenty grains of ipeca¬ 
cuanha in fine powder, or a few spoonfuls of the vomiting julepf, 
will generally answer this purpose very well. This may be repeat¬ 
ed any time before the third or fourth day, if the above symptoms 
continue. Vomits not only clean the stomach, but by the general 
shock which they <rive, promote the perspiration, and have many 
o'her excellent effects in slow-fevers, where there are no signs of 
inflammation, and nature wants rousing. 

Such as dare not venture upon a vomit may clean the bowels by 
a small dose of Turkey rhubarb, or an infusion of senna and manna* 

In all fevers, the great point is to regulate the symptoms, so as to 
prevent them from going to either extreme. Tnus, in fevers of the 
inflammatory kind, where the force of the circulation is too great, 
or the blood dense, and the fibres too rigid, bleeding and other eva¬ 
cuations are necessary. But in nervous fevers, where nature flags, 
where the blood is vapid and poor, and the solids relaxed, the lan¬ 
cet must be spared, and wine, with other cordials, plentifully admi¬ 
nistered. 

It is the more necessary to caution people against bleeding in this 
disease, as there is generally at the beginning an universal stricture 
upon the vessels, and sometimes an oppression and difficulty of 

* * See Appendix, Mustard-whey. 

f See Appentfix, Vomiting Julep. 

breathing. 




113 


OF THE NERVOUS FEVER. 


breathing, which suggest the idea of a plethora, or too great a 
quantity of blcocl. 1 have known even some of the faculty de¬ 
ceived by their own feelings in this respect, so far as to insist upon 
being bled, when it Was evident from the consequences that the 
operation was improper. 

Though bleeding is generally improper in this disease, vet blis- . 
tering is, highly necessary, Blistering-plasters may be applied at 
all times of the fever w ith great advantage. If the patient is de¬ 
lirious he ought to be blistered on the neck or head, and it will be 
the safest ctmr.se, when the insensibility continues, as seen as the 
discharge occasioned by one blistering-plaster abates, to apply ano¬ 
ther to some other part of the body, and by that means keep up a 
continual succession of them till he be cut of danger. 

I have been more sensible of the advantage of blistering’ in this 
than in any other disease. Blistering-plasters not only stimulate; 
the solids to action, but likewise occasion a continual discharge, 
which may in seme measure supply the want of critical evacua¬ 
tions, which seldom happen in this kind of fever. They are most 
proper, however, either towards the beginning, or after scape de¬ 
gree of stupor has ccine on, in which last case it will always be 
proper to blister the head. , . ; . 

If the patient is costive through the course of the disease, it will 
be necessary to procure a stool, by giving him every other day a 
clyster of milk and water, with a little sugar, to yvhieb may be add¬ 
ed a spoonful of common sail, it the above does not operate. 

Should a violent looseness come on, it may be checked by small 
quantities of Venice treacle, or giving the patient for his on&ary 
drink, the w hite decoction*. . . . , 

A miliary eruption sometimes breaks out about the ninth or tenth 
day. As eruptions are often critical, great care should Ibhtaken 
not io retard Nature’s operation in this particular. The enspiim 
ought neither to be checked by bleeding nor other evacutiom, nor 
pushed out by a hot regimen; but the patient should be supported. 
by gentle cordials, as wine-whey, small negus, sago-gruel with a Lit¬ 
tle wine in it, and such like. He ought not to be kept too warni; 
yet a kindly breathing sweat should by no means be checked. 

Though blistering and the use of cordial liquors are the chief 
things to be depended on in this kind of fever * yet for those who 
may chine to use them, we shall mention one or two of the forms of 
medicine which are commonly prescribed in itf.. 

In desperate cases, where the . hiccup and starting the tendons 
have already come on, we have sometimes seen extraordinary effects 


* See Appendix, White Decoction. 

f When the patient is low, ten grains of Virginian fnake-root, and the 
fame quantity of contrayerva-root, with five grains of Ruffian caficr,ail-in 
fine powder, maybe made into a bolus with a little of the cordial crtffediicm 
t)f fj rup of fafiron. One of thefe may be taken every four <r live hour?. 

The following powder maybe ufed with the fame intention - Take wild 
Valerian-root in powder one fcruple, faB'ron and caller,eaah for.rgrains. 
Mix thefe by rubbing them together in a mortar, and g v$ hue hi a cup < t 
ndne-wh-ev, three or four times a-day. 

from 


114 PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. 

from large doses of musk frequently repealed. Musk is doubtless 
an antispasmodic, and may be given to the quantity of a scruple 
three or four times a day, or ofiener if necessary. Sometimes it 
may be proper to add to the musk a few grains of campnire, and 
salt of hartshorn, as these tend to promote perspiration and the dis¬ 
charge of urine. Thus fifteen grains of mus-k, with three grains of 
camphife, and six groins of salt of hartshorn, may be made into a 
bolus with a little syrup, and given as above. 

If the fever should happen to inleimif, which it frequently does 
towards the decline, or if the patient's strength should be wasted 
colliquative sweats, &:c . it will be necessary to give him the Peru¬ 
vian bark. Half a drachm, or a whole drachm, if the stomach will 
bear if, of the bark in find powder, may be given four or five times 
a-day in a glass of red port or claret. Should the hark in substance 
not sit easy on the st< mac h, an ounce of it in powder may be in¬ 
fused in a bottle of Lisbon or Rhenish wine for two or three days, 
afterwards it may be strained, and a glass of it taken frequently*. 

Some give the bark in this and other fevers, where there are no 
symptoms of inflammation, without any regard to the remission or 
intermission of the fever., How far future observations may tend to 
establish this practice, vve will not pretend to say; but we have 
reason to believe that the bark is a very universal febrifuge, and 
that if may be administered with advantage in most fevers where 
Heeding is not necessary, or where there are no symptoms of topi¬ 
cal inflammation. 

C H A P. XX. 

OF TI1E MALIGNANT, PUTRID OR SPOT¬ 
TED FEVER. 

HPHIS may be called the pestilential fever of Europe, as in many 
JL of its symptoms it bears a great resemblance to that dreadful 
disease the plague. Persons of a lax habit, a melancholy disposi¬ 
tion, and those whose vigour,has been wasted by long fasting, 
watching, hard labour, excessive venery, frequent salivations, &c. 
are most liable to it. 

CAUSES.-—-This fever is occasioned by foul air, from a 

number of people being confined in a narrow place, not properly 
ventilated: from putrid animal and vegetable effluvia, &c. Hence 
It prevails in camps, jails', hospitals, and infirmaries, especially where 
such places arc too much crowded, and cleanliness is neglected. 

* The bark may likewife be very propeily adminiftered, along with other 
.cordials, in ihe following manner : Take an ounce of Peruvian bark, orange- 
neel half an ounce, Virginian fnake root two drachms, faffron one drachm. 
Let all of them be powdered, and infufed in an Engliih pint of the belt 
brandy for three or four days. Afterwards the liquor may be brained, and 
two tea-fpoor.fuls of it given three cr four times a-day in a glais of lmaU 
w ine cr negus. 

A close 






PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. ii 5 


<r 

^3 


■. , A close constitution of the air, with long raiiiy or foggy weather, 
likewise occasions putrid fevers. They often succeed great inunda¬ 
tions in low rind marshy countries* especially when these are pre¬ 
ceded or followed by a hot ami sultry season. 

Living tod much upon animal food, without a proper mixture of 
vegetables, or eating fish or Sesh that has been kept, too long, me 
likewise apt to occasion this kind of fever. Hence sailors an long 
voyages, and the inhabitants of besieged cities, are very often visit— 
®d with putrid fevers. 

Corn that has been greatly damaged by rainy seasons, or ion 
keeping, arid water which has become putrid by stagnation, 8cc. 
mav likewise occasion this f'cver. 

Dead carcasses tainting the air, especially in hot seasons, are 
very apt to occasion putrid diseases. Hence this kind of fever of¬ 
ten prevails in countries which are the scenes of war and bloodshed. 
This shews the propriety of removing burying.-grounds, slaughter¬ 
houses, &c. at a proper distance from great towns. 

W <jnt of cleanliness is a. very general cause of putrid fevers. 
Hence they prevail amongst the-poor inhabitants of large towns, 
who breathe a confined unwholesome air, and neglect cleanliness. 
Such mechanics as carry on dirty employments, and are constantly 
confined within doors,, are likewise very liable to this disease. 

We shall only add, that putrid, malignant, or spotted fevers, are 
highly infectious, and are therefore often communicated by conta¬ 
gion. For which reason all persons ought to keep at a distance 
from those affected with such diseases, unless their attendance is 
absolutely necessary. - 

5 SYMPTOMS.-—The malignant fvver is generally preceded 

by a remarkable weakness or loss 0 / strength, without any apparent 
cause. This is sometimes so great, that the patient can scarce 
walk, or even sit upright, without being in danger of fainting away. 
H is mind too is greatly dejected ; lie sighs, and is full of dreadful 
apprehensions. „ , 

There is a nausea, and sometimes a vomiting of bile; a violent 
pain of the head, with a strong pulsation or throbbing-of the temporal 
arteries; the eyes often appear red and inflamed, with a pain at the 
bottom of the orbit; there is a noise in the ears, the breathing is 
laborious, and often interrupted with a sigh; complaints of a 
pain about the region of the stomach, and in the back and loins; 
the tongue is at first white, but afterwards it appears black and 
chaped ; and his teeth are covered with a black crust. He some¬ 
times passes worms both upwards and downwards, is affected with 
tremors or shaking, and often becomes delirious. 

If blood is let, it appears dissolved, or with a very small degree 
of cohesion, and soon becomes putrid; the stools smell extreme In¬ 
fect id, and are sometimes of a greenish, black, or reddish east. 
Spots of a pale purple,.dun, or black colour, often appear upon the 
skin, and sometimes there are violent haemorrhages or discharges of 
blood from the mouth, eyes, nose, &c. 

Putrid fevers may be distinguished from the inflammatory, by the 
smallness of the pulse, the great dejection of mind, the dissolved 

S stale 




Yi6 putrid or spotted fever. 


state of the blood, the petechias, or purple spots, and the putrid 
smell of the excrements. They may likewise be distinguished from 
the low or nervous fever, by the heat and thirst being greater, tire 
urine of a higher colour, and the loss of strength, dejection of 
mind, and ail the other symptoms more violent. 

It sometimes happens, "however, that the mdammafory, nervous, 
and putrid symptoms arc so blended together, as to render it very 
difficult'to--determine to which class the fever belongs. In this ca r 
the greatest caution and skill are requisite. Attention must be paid 
to those symptoms which are most prevalent, and both the regi¬ 
men and medicines adapted to them. 

Inflammatory -and nervous fevers friay be converted into Thaiig- 
•jiant and putrid, by too hot a regimen or improper medicines. 

Ti e duration of putrid fevers is extremely uncertain ; sometimes 
t! ey terminate between the seventh and fourteenth day-, and at 
other times they arc prolonged for five "or six weeks. Their dura¬ 
tion depends greatly upon the constitution of the .patient, and the 
manner of treating the disease. 

The most favourable 'symptoms are, a gentle looseness after the 
fourth or fifth day, with a warm mild sweat. These, when couth " 
nued for a considerable time, often carry off the fever, and should 
never be imprudently stopped. Small miliary pustules appearing 
between the petechiae or purple spots are likewise favourable, as 
ab'o hot scabby eruptions about the mouth and nose. - It is a good 
sign when the pulse rises upon the use of wine, or other cordials* 
and the nervous symptoms abate; deafness coming on towards the 
decline of the fever* is likewise often a favourable symptom*, as 
are ab.cCsses in the groin or parotid glands. 

Afu'oVfg Fife unfavourable symptoms may be reckoned an exces¬ 
sive looseness, with a hard swelled telly ; large black or lived 
blotches breaking out upon the skin; apthac in the mouth; cold 
clammy sweats; blindness % change of the voice; a wild staring of 
the eyes; difliculty of swallowing; inability to put out the tongue; 
and a constant inclination to uncover the breast. When the sweat 
and saliva are tinged with blood, and the urine is black, or deposits 
a black sooty sediment, the patient is in great danger. Starting of the 
tendons, and foetid, inehorous, involuntary stools, attended with 
coldness of the extremities, are generally the forerunners of death. 

Rl.GhYiLN.~--In the treatment of this disease we ought 

to endeavour as far as possible to counteract the putrid tendency of 
the humours; to support the patient's strength and spirits; and to 
assist Nature in expelling the cause of this disease, by gently pro¬ 
moting perspiration and the other evacuations. 

it has been observed, that putrid fevers are often occasioned by 
unwholesome air, and of course they must be aggravated by it. 
Cure should therefore be taken to prevent the air from stagnating in 
die patient’s chamber, to keep it cool, and renew it frequently, by 
opening the doors or windows of some adjacent apartment. 'The 

* Deafnefs is not always a favourable fymptem in this difeafe. Terhanjfe 
it is only fo when oecafioned by abfcdles formed within the eais. 

breads 



PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. in 

fei'-cath and perspiratioh of persons in perfect health soon render the 
air of a small apartment noxious; but this will sooner happen from 
the perspiration and breath of a person whose whole mass of hu- . 
mours are in a putrid state. 

Besides the frequent admission of fresh air, we would recorn- .. 
mend the use of vinegar, verjuice, juice of lemon, Sevili orange, 
or any kind of vegetable acid that can be most readily obtained. 
These ought frequently to be sprinkled upon the floor, the bed, and 
every part of the room. They may also be evaporated with a hot 
iron, or by boiling, &c. TheTresh skins of lemons or oranges ought 
likewise to be laid in different parts of the room, and they should 
be frequently held to the patient’s nose. The use of acids in this, 
manner would not only prove very refreshing to the patient, but 
would likewise tend to prevent the infection from spreading among 
those who attend him. Strong scented herbs, as rue, tansy, rose¬ 
mary, wormwood, &c. may likewise be laid in differenr parts of 
the house, and smelled by those who go near the patient. 

The patient must not only be kept cool, but likewise quiet and 
easy. The least noise will affect his head, and the smallest fatigue 
will be apt to make him faint. 

Few things are of greater importance in this disease than acids, 
which ought to be mixed with all the patient’s food as well as. 
drink. Orange, lemon, or vinegar-whey, are all very proper, and 
may be drank by turns, according to the patient's inclination. They 
may be rendered cordial by the addition of wine in such quantity 
as the patient’s strength seems to require. When lie is very low, 
he may drink negus, with only one half water, and sharpened with 
the juice of orange or lemon. In some cases a glass of wine may 
now and then be allowed. The most proper wine is Rhenish; but 
if the body be open, red port or claret is to be preferred. 

When the body is bound, a tea-spoonful of the cream of tartar 
may be put into a cup of the patient’s drink, as there is occasion; 
or he may drink a.decoction of tamarinds, which will both quench 
his thirst, and promote a discharge by stool.. 

If camomile-tea will sit upon his stomach, it is a very proper 
drink in this disease. It may be sharpened by adding to every cup 
of the tea ten or fifteen drops of the elixir of vitriol. 

The food must be light, as panada, or groat-gruel, to which a lit¬ 
tle wine may be added, if the patient be weak and low; and they 
all to be sharpened with the juice of orange, the jelly of currants, 
or the like. The patient ought likewise to eat freely of ripe fruits, 
as roasted apples, currant or goosberry tarts, preserved cherries, or, 
plums, &c. 

Taking a little food or drink frequently, not. only supports the 
spirits, biit counteracts the putrid tendency of the humours ; for 
which reason the patient ought frequently to be sipping small quan¬ 
tities of some of the acid liquors mentioned above, or any that may 
be more agreeable to his palate, or more readily obtained. 

If he is delirious, his feet and hands ought to he frequently fo¬ 
mented with a strong infusion of camomile flowers. This, or arr 
iqfusion of the bark, to such as can afford it ; cannot fail to have a. 

good 




118 PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. 

*■ i < 

good effect. Fomentations of this kind not only relieve the head, 
by relaxing the vessels in the extremities, bat as their contents are 
absorbed, anti taken into the <y stem, they may assist in preventing 
the putrescency of the humours. • 

ME-DlCINE.---If a vomit be given at the beginning of this 

fever, it will hardly fail to have a good effect; but if the fever lias 
gone on for some days, arid the symptoms are violent, vomits arc 
not quite so sate.' The body however is always t6 be kept gently 
open by clysters, or mild laxative medicines. 

Bleeding is seldom necessary in putrid fevers. If there bo signs, 
of an inflammation, it may sometimes be permitted at the first un¬ 
set; but the repetition of it generally proves hurtful. 

Blistering piasters are never to be used unless in the greatest ex¬ 
tremities. If the petechia; qr spots should suddenly disappear, the 
paticntks pulse sink remarkably, and a cleiiiium, with other bad symp¬ 
toms, come on, blistering may be permitted. In this case the blis¬ 
tering plasters are to be applied to* the head, and inside of the legs 
or thighs. But as they are sometime's apt to Occasion a gangrene, 
we would rather recommend warm cataplasms or poultices of mus¬ 
tard and vinegar to be applied to the feet, having recourse to blis¬ 
ters only in the-utmost extremities/ 

It is common in the beginning of this fever to give the emetic tar¬ 
tar in small doses, repeated in every second or third hour, till it ^pall 
either vomit, purge, or throw the patient into a sweat. This prac¬ 
tice is very proper, provided it be not pushed sp far as to weaken 
the patient. 

A very ridiculous notion has long prevailed of expelling the poi¬ 
sonous matter of malignant diseases by 'trifling doses of cordial or 
alexipharrhic medicines. In consequence ol this notion, the con- 
traverva-root, the cordial confection, the mithridate, &c. have been 
extolled as infallible remedies. There is reason however to believe, 
that these seldom do much good. \Vhcrd cordials are necessarv, 
we know none that is superior to good wine ; and therefore again 
recommend it both as the safest and the best. Wine, with acids' 
and antiseptics, are the only things to be relied on in the cure of 
malignant fevers, ■> 

In the most dangerous species of this disease, when it is attend¬ 
ed with pufple, livid, or black spots, die Peruvian bark must be ad¬ 
ministered, I have seen it, when joined with acids" prove success¬ 
ful, even in cases where the petechia? had the most threatening as¬ 
pect. But to answer this purpose it must not only be given in large 
doses, but duty persisted in. 

The best method of administering the bark is certainly in sub¬ 
stance. An ounce of it in powder may be mixed with half an 
English pint of water, and the same quantity of red wine, and sharp¬ 
ened with the elixer or the spirit of vitriol, which will both make it 
sit easier on the stomach, and render it more beneficial. Two or 
three Ounces of the syrup of lemon may be added, and two table- 
spoonfuls of the mixture taken every two hours, or oflener, if the 
stomach is able to bear it. Those who cannot take the bark in sub¬ 
stance may infuse it in wine, as; eccmmended in the preceding dis¬ 
ease. -T I£ 



PUTRID OR SPOTTED FEVER. 


119 

A 

If there be a violent looseness, the bark must be boiled in red 
wine with a little cinnamon, and sharpened with the eiixer of vi¬ 
triol, as above. Nothing can be mote beneficial in this kind of 
looseness than plenty of acids, and such things as promote a gentle 
perspiration. 

If the patient be troubled with vomiting, a dram of the salt of 
wormwood, dissolved in an ounce and halt of fresh lemon juice, 
and made into a draught with an ounce of simple cinnamon water, 
and a bit of sugar* may be given and repeated as often as it is ne¬ 
cessary. 

If swellings of the glands appear, their suppuration is to be pro¬ 
moted by the application of poultices, ripening cataplasms, &c. 
And as soon as there is any appearance of matter in them, they 
ought to be laid open and the poultices continued. 

I have known large ulcerous seres break out in various parts of 
the body. In the decline of this fever, of a livid gangrenous appear¬ 
ance, and a most putrid cadaverous smell. These gradually healed, 
and the patient recovered, by the plentiful use of Peruvian bark 
and wine, sharpened with the spirits of vitriol. 

For preventing putrid fevers we would recommend a strict re¬ 
gard to cleanliness; a dry situation; sufficient exercise in the open 
air ; wmolesome food, and a moderate use of generous liquors. In¬ 
fection ought above all tilings to be avoided. No constitution is 
proof against it. I have known persons seized w r ith a putrid fever, 
by only'making a single visit to a patient in it; others have caught 
it by lodging for one night in a town where it prevailed; and some 
by attending the funeral of such as died of it*. 

When a putrid fever seizes any person in a family, the greatest 
attention is necessary to prevent the disease from spreading. The 
sick ought to be placed in a large apartment, as remote from the 
rest of the family as"possible; he ought likewise to be kept extreme¬ 
ly clean, and should have fresh air frequently let into his chamber; 
whatever comes from him should be immediately removed, his linen 
should be frequently changed, and those in health ought to avoid 
all unnecessary communication with him. 

Any one w'ho is apprehensive of having caught the infection, 
ought immediately to take a vomit, and to work it off by drinking 
plentifully of camomile tea. This may be repeated in a day or 
two, if the apprehensions still continue, or any unfavourable symp¬ 
toms appear. 

The person ought likewise to take an infusion of the bark and 
camomile flowers for his ordinary drink; and before he goes to bed, 
be may drink an English pint of pretty strong negus, or a few glass- 

* The late Sir John Pringle exprefled a concern left thefe cautions fliould 
prevent people from attending their friends or'relations when affli&ed with 
putrid fevers. I told him I meant only to difeourage unneceffary atten¬ 
dance, and mentioned a number of mftances where putrid fevers had proved 
fatal to perfons, who were rather hurtful than beneficial to the lick. This 
fagacious phyfician agreed with me, in thinking that a good doctor and a 
careful nurfe were the only necefiary attendants; and that all others not on¬ 
ly endangered thefnfelves, but generally, by their folkitude and ill-dire&ed 
care., hurt the fick. 


C3 



120 u £ i ti iv M1JL1A R Y F E V E R v . 

e$ of ge?ierous wine. I have been frequently obliged to follow this, 
course when malignant fevers prevailed., and have likewise recom¬ 
mended it to others with constant success. 

People generally fly to bleeding and purging as antidotes against- 
infection; but these are so far from securing them, that they often, 
by debilitating the body, increase the danger. 

Those who wait upon the sick in putrid fevers, ought always to 
have a piece of spunge or a handkerchief dipt in vinegar, or juice 
of lemon, to smell to while near the patient. They ought likewise 
to wash their hands, and, if possible, to change their cJothes, be<*. 
fore they go into company. 


C H A P. XXL 

OF THE MILIARY FEVER. 


T HIS fever takes its name from the small pustules or bladders- 
which appear on the skin, resembling, in shape and size, the 
seeds of millet. The pustules are either red or white, and some*, 
times both are mixed together. 

The whole body is sometimes covered with pustules; but they 
are generally more numerous where the sweat is most abundant, as 
on the breast, the back, &c. A gentle sweat, or moisture on the 
skin, greatly promotes the eruption ; but when the skin is dry, the 
eruption is both more painful and dangerous. 

Sometimes this is a primary disease; but it is much aftener only 
a symptom of some other malady, as the small-pox, measles, ar¬ 
dent, putrid, or nervous fever. &c. In all these cases it is general¬ 
ly the effect of too hot a regimen or medicines. 

The miliary fever chiefly attacks the idle and phlegmatic 1 , or per¬ 
sons of a relaxed habit. The young and the aged are more liable to it 
than those in the vigour and prime of life. It is also more incident 
to women than men, especially the delicate and the indolent, who, 
neglecting exercise, keep continually within doors, and live upon 
weak and watery diet. Such females are extremely liable to be 
seized with this disease in childbed, and often lose their lives by it. 

CAUSES.-rr-The miliary fever is sometimes occasioned by 

violent passions or affections of the mind; as excessive grief, anx¬ 
iety, thoughtfulness, &c. It may likewise be occasioned by exces¬ 
sive watching, great evacuations, a weak watery diet, rainy sea¬ 
sons, eating too freely of cold, crude, unripe fruits, as plums, cher¬ 
ries, cucumbers, melons, &c. Impure waters, or provisions which 
have been spoiled by rainy seasons, long keeping, &c. may like¬ 
wise cause miliary fevers. They may also be occasioned by the 
stoppage of any customary evacuation, as issues, setons, ulcers, the 
bleeding piles in men, or the menstrual flux in women, &c. 

This disease in childbed-women is sometimes the effect of great 
costiveness during pregnancy; it may likewise be occasioned by 
their exessive use «f green trash, and other unwholesome things, in 

k which 




OF THE MILIARY FEVER, isi 

fvhich pregnant women are too apt to indulge. But its most gene¬ 
ral cause is indolence. Such women as lead a sedentary life, espe¬ 
cially during pregnancy, alld at the same time live grossly, can hard¬ 
ly escape this disease in childbed Hence it proves extremely fatal 
to women of fashion, and likewise to those women in manufactur¬ 
ing towns, who, in order to assist their husbands, sit close within, 
doors for almost the whole of their time. But among women who 
are active and laborious, who live in the country, and take sufficient 
exercise without doors, this disease is very little known. 

SYMPTOMS.--When this is a primary disease, it makes its 

attack, like most other eruptive fevers, with a slight shivering, 
w hich is succeeded by heat, loss of strength, faintishness, sighing, 
a low quick pulse, difficulty of breathing, with great anxiety and 
oppression of the breast. The patient is restless, and sometimes 
delirious; the tongue appears w'hite, and the hands shake, with of¬ 
ten a burning heat in the palms; and in childbed-women the milk 
generally goes away, and the other discharges *<top. 

Irhe patient feels an itching or pricking pain under the skin, af¬ 
ter which innumerable small pustules of a red or white colour be¬ 
gin to appear. Upon this the symptoms generally abate, the pulse 
becomes more full and soft, the skin grows moister, and the sweat, 
as the disease advances, begins to have a peculiar foetid smell; the 
great load on the breast, and oppression of the spirits, generally 
go off, and the customary evacuations gradually return. About the 
sixth or seventh day from the eruption, the pustules begin to dry, 
and fall off, which occasions a very disagreeable itching in the skin. 

It is impossible to ascertain the exact time when the pustules will 
either appear or go off. They generally come out on the third or 
fourth day, when the eruption is critical; but, when symptomatica!, 
they may appear at any time of the disease. 

Sometimes the pustules appear and vanish by turns. When that 
Is the case, there is always danger ; but when they go in all of a 
sudden, and do not appear again, the danger is very great. 

In childbed-w r omen the pustules are commonly at first filled with 
clear ftfater, afterw r ards they grow yellowish. Sometimes they are 
interspersed with pustules of a red colour. When these only ap¬ 
pear the disease goes by the name of a rush. 

REGIMEN.— -In all eruptive fevers of wdiatever kind, the 

’chief point is to prevent the sudden disappearing of the pustules, 
and to promote their maturation. For this purpose the patient must 
be kept ifi such temperature, as neither to push out the eruption too 
fast, nor to cause it to retreat prematurely. The diet and drink 
ought therefore to be in a moderate degree nourishing and cordial; 
but neither strong nor heating. The patient's chamber ought neither 
to be kept too hot nor cold ; and he should not be too much cover- 
«d with clothes. Above all, the mind is to to be kept easy and 
cheerful. Nothing so certainly makes an eruption go in as fear. 

The food must be weak chicken broth with bread, panada, sago, 
wr groat-gruel, &c. to a gill of w hich may be added a spoonful or 
two of wine, as the patient's strength requires, with a few grains of 
salt and a little sugar. Good apples roasted or boiled, with other 
ripe fruits of an opening cooling nature may be eaten. The* 




m OF THE MILIARY FEVER. 


The drink may be suited to the state of the patient’s strength and; 
spirits. If these be pretty high, the drink ought be weak; as wa¬ 
ter-gruel, balm-tea, or the decoction mentioned below*. 

When the patient’s spirits are low, and the eruption does not 
rise sufficiently, his drink must be a little more generous; as wine- 
whey, or small negus, sharpened with the juice of orange or lemon, 
and made stronger or weaker as circumstances may require. 

Sometimes the miliary fever approaches towards a putrid nature, 
in which case the patient’s strength must be supported with gene¬ 
rous cordials, joined with acids; and, if the degree of putrescence 
be great, the Peruvian bulk must be administered.' If the head be 
much affected, (he body must be kept open by emollient clystersf 

MEDICINE.— -If the food and drink be properly regulated, 

there will be little occasion for medicine in this disease. Should the 
eruption however not rise, or the spirits flag, it will not only be ne¬ 
cessary to support the patient with cordials, but likewise to apply 
blistering plasters. The most proper cordial, in this case, is good 
wine, which may either be taken in the patient’s food or drink; and 
If theie be signs of putrescence, the bark and acids may be mixed 
with wine, as directed in the putrid fever. 

Some recommend blistering through the whole course of this dis¬ 
ease; and where Nature flags, And the egrption comes and goes, it 
may be necessary to keep up a stimulus, by a continual succession of 
small blister ng plasters; but we would not recommend above one 
it a lime. If however the pulse should sink remarkably, the pus¬ 
tules fall in, and the head be affected, it will be necessary to apply 
Several blistering plasters to the most sensible parts, as the inside of 
the legs and thighs, Stc. « 

Bleeding is seldom necessary in this disease, and sometimes it 
does thuch hurt, as it weakens the patient, and depresses his spirits. 
It is therefore never to be attempted unless by the advice of a phy- 


* Take two ounces of the {havings of hartfliorn, and the fame quantity of 
farfaparilla, boil them in two Englifh quarts of water. .To the {trained de¬ 
tection add a little white fugar, and let the patient take it for his ordinary 
drink. 

f In the commerctum literarium for the year 1735, we have the hif- 
tory of an epidemical miliary fever, which'raged at Strafburg m the months 
of November, December, and January ; from which we learn the neceffity 
of a temperate regimen in this malady, andlikewile that phylicians are not 
always the firit who diicover the proper treatment of diieafes. “This fever 
made terrible havock even among men of robuft conllitutions, and all medi¬ 
cine proved in vain. They were feized in an inftant with {hivering, yawn¬ 
ing, {{retching, and pains in the back, fucceeded by a moll intenfe heat; at 
the fame time there was a great lots of ftrength and appetite. On the feventh 
or ninth day the miliary eruprictis appeared, or fpots like flea-bites, with 
great anxiety, a delirium, re file lfne fs. attd tolling in bed. Bleeding was fatal. 
While matters were in this unhappy fltuation, a midwife, of her own accord, 
gave to a patient,; in the height of the difeafe, a clyiler of rain water and 
butter without fait, and for his ordinary drink a quart of fpring water, half 
a pint of generous wine, the juice of a lemon, and fix ounces of the whiteft 
fugar, gently boiled till a lcum arofe, and this with great fuecefs ; for the 
belly was fo loofened, the grievous lymptoms vanifhed, and the patient was 
lehored to his ienles, and thatched from the jaws of death.” This pradice 
n as imitated by others with the like happy eked*. 

sician 



12S 


OF TIIE REMITTING FEVER. 


lician. We mention this., because it has been customary io treat 
this disease in childbed-women by .plentiful bleeding, and other 
evacuations, as it it were highly inflammatory, Bui this practice 
h generally very unsafe. Patients in this situation bear evacuations 
very iH. And indeed the disease seems often lobe more of a putrid 
than of an inflammatory nature. 


Though this fever is often occasioned in childbeckwomcn by too 
not d regimen, yet it would be dangerous to leave that off all of a 
sudden, and have recourse to a very cool regimen, and large evacu¬ 
ations. We have reason to believe,, that supporting the patient’s 
Spirits, and promoting the natural evacuations, is here much safer 
than to have recourse to artificial ones, as these, by sinking ike 
spirits, seldom fail to increase the danger. 

If the disease proves tedious, or the recovery slow, yve would re¬ 
commend the Peruvian bark, which may either be taken in sub¬ 
stance, or infused in wine or water, as the patient inclines. 

The miliary fever, like other eruptive diseases, requires gentler 
purging, which should not be neglected, as soon as the fever is gone 
off, and the patient’s strength will permit. 

To prevent this disease, a ptire dry air, sufficient exercise, and 
wholesome food, are necessary. Pregnant women should guard 
against costiveness, and take daily as much exercise as they can 
bear, avoiding all green trashy fruits, and other unwholesome 
things; and when In child-bed, they ought strictly to observer 
cool regimen. 


c H A P. XXII. 

OF THE REMITTING FEVER. 

T HIS fever takes its name from d remission of the symptoms, 
which happens sometimes sooner, and sometimes later, but ge¬ 
nerally before the eighth day. The remission is commonly piece-l¬ 
ed by a gentle sweat, alter which the patient seems greatly reliev¬ 
ed, but in.fi few hours the fever returns. These remissions return 
at very ifregular, periods, and are sometimes of longer, sometimes of 
shorter duration: the nearer however that the fever approaches to 
a regular intermittent, the danger is the less. 

CAUSES.- 1 —Remitting fevers prevail in low marshy countries 
abounding with wood and stagnating water; but they prove most 
fatal in places where great heat and moisture are combined, as in 
Some parts of Africa, the province of Bengal in the East-Indies, 
Szc. where remitting fevers are generally of a putrid kind, and 
prove very fatal. They are most frequent in close calm weathe:. 
especially after rainy seasons, great inundations, or the like. No 
age, sex, 
but it chi 
ty habita 

else, and use unwholesome diet. 

T 


or constitution is exempted from tne attack or tins lever, 
efiy seizes persons of a relaxed habit, who liv r e in low air- 
lions, breathe an impure stagnating air, take little oxer- 


SYMPTOM'S. 




11? 4 


OF THE REMITTING FEVER 


SYMPTOMS.-The first symptoms of this fever, are gene¬ 

rally yawning, stretching, pain, and giddiness in the head, with al¬ 
ternate fits of heat and cold. Sometimes the patient is affected 
with a delirium at the ver\ first attack. There is a pain, and sdm&- 
times a swelling, about the region of the stomach, the tongue is 
white, the eyes and skin frequently appear yellow, and the patient 
is often afflicted with bilious vomitings. The pulse is sometimes a 
little hard, but seldom full, and the blood, when let, tardy shews 
any sign's'of inflammation. Some patients are exceedingly costive, 
and others me afflicted with a very troublesome looseness. 

It is impos able to describe all the symptoms of this disease, as 
they vary according to the situation, ti e season of the year, and. the 
constitution of the patient. They may likewise be greatly chang¬ 
ed by the method of treatment, and by many other circumstances 
too tedious to mention. Sometimes the bilious symptoms pre¬ 
dominate, sometimes 1 l.o nervous, and at other times the putrid. 
IS.’or is it at ail uncommon to find a succession cf each of these, or 
even a complication of them at the same time, in the same person. 

REGIMEN.—The regimen must be adapted to the prevail¬ 
ing symptoms. When there are any signs of inflammation,- the diet 
must be slender, and the drink weak and diluting. Rut tf-’hen any 
nervoAis or putrid symptoms prevail, it will be necessary to support 
the patient 'with food and liquors of a more generous nature, such 
as aie recommended in the immediately preceding fevers. We 
must however-be very cautious in the use of things of a heating 
quality, as this fev’er is frequently changed into a continual by ar. 
hot regimen, and improper medicines. 

Whatever the'sy mptoms arc, the patient Ought to be kept cool, 
quiet, and clean. His apartment, if possible, should be large and 
frequently Ventilated by letting in fresh air at the doors and win¬ 
dows. It ought likewise to be sprinkled with vinegar, juice of 
lemon, o ' thy like. His linen, bed-clothes, Szc. should be frequent¬ 
ly changed, and all his excrements immediately removed. Though 
these things have been recommended before, we think it necessary 
to repeat them here, as they are of more importance to the sick than 
practitioners are apt to imagine*'. 


* The ingenious Dr. Li'ncl, of Wind for, in his inaugural differtat ion Con¬ 
or ruing rue putrid remitting fever of Bengal, has the following obftrva* 
ti v.i : “ Indulia, Indices, ac ftragula, faepius fimt mutanda, ac aeri exponen- 
da; fxces fotdefque quarn primum removendre oportet etiam ut loca quibus 
rcgvi ctecumhent flat falubvia etacetQ confperfa; deniqueut ;egris cura quanta 
maxima prcfpiciatur. Conpertum ego habco, med»cum hxc fedulo obfer- 
vantem, quique ea exequi poted, mulio magis segris pjrofuturum, quam me. 
di< urn peririorem b.ifie c mimodis, deflitutum.” 

“ The patient’s fhirt, bed-clothes, and bedding, ought frequently to b# 
Changed, and expofed to the air, and all his excrements immediately remov¬ 
ed; the bed-chamber fliottld be well Ventilated, and frequently fprinkled with 
vinegar; in flvqrt, every attention fhould be paid to the patient. Icanaf. 
firm, that a’phvfxcian who puts thefe in practice will much oftener fuceeed 
than one who is even more fkilful, but has not opportunity of ufing thefe 
means.” 


MEDICINE. 



i O F THE SMALL-POX 



MEDICINE.-In order to cure this fever, we must endeavour 

to bring it to a regular intermission. This intention may be pro¬ 
moted by bleeding, if there be any signs of inflammation; but 
when that is not the.case, bleeding ought by no means to beat- 
tempted, as it will weaken the patient and prolong ike disease. A 
vomit however will seldom be improper, and is generally of great 
service. Twenty or thirty grains of ipecacuanha will answer this 
purpose very well; but, where it can be obtained, we would ra¬ 
ther recommend a grain or tv\o of tartar emetic, with five or six 
grains of ipecacuanha, to be^ made into a draught, and given tor a 
vomit. This may be repeated once or twice at proper intervals, if 
the sickness or nausea continues. 

The body ought to be kept open either by clysters or gentle lax¬ 
atives, as weak infusions of senna and manna, small doses of the 
lenitive electuary, cream of tartar, tamarinds, stewed prunes, or,the 
like; but all strung or drastic purgatives are to be carefully avoid-, 
ed. 


By this course the fever in a few days may generally be brought 
to a pretty regular or distinct intermission, in which case the Pe¬ 
ruvian bark may be administered, and it will seldom fail to perfect 
the cure. It is needless here to repeat the methods of giving the 
bark, as we have already had occasion frequently to mention them. 

The most likely way to avoid this fever is to use a wholesome or 
nourishing diet, to pay the most scrupulous attention to cleanliness, 
to keep the body warm, to take sufficient exercise, and in hot coun¬ 
tries to avoid damp situations, night air, evening dews, and the like. 
In countries where it is endemical, the best preventative medicine 
which we can recommend is the best Peruvian bark, which may 
either be chewed, or infused in brandy or wine, &ic. Some re¬ 
commend smoaking tobacco.as very beneficial in marshy countries, 
both for the prevention of this and intermitting fevers. 


CHAP. XXIII. 

OF THE S M A L L- P O X. 


T HIS disease, which originally came from Arabia, is now become 
so general, that very few escape it at one time of life or another. 
It is a most contagious malady 5 and has for many years proved the 
scourge of Europe. 

The small-pox generally appear towards the springy They are 
verv frequent in summer, less so in autumn, and least of all in win¬ 
ter ^ Children are most liable to this disease; and those whose food 
is unwholesome, who want proper exercise, and abound with gross 
humours, run the greatest hazard from it. 

The disease is distinguished into the distinct and confluent kmd; 
the latter of which is always attended with danger. There are 
likewise other distinctions of the small-pcx; as the crystalline, the 
bloody, &c. 

7 CAUSES, 








-V .0 /- 

4 - Q 


OF THE SMALL-POX. 


CAUSES.-The small-pox Is commonly caught by infectioij. 

Since the disease was first brought into Europe, the infection has 
never been wholly extinguished, nor have any proper methods, as 
fir as I know, been taken for that purpose; so that how it has be¬ 
come in a manner constitutional. Children who have over-heated 
themselves by running, wrestling, See. or adults after a debauch, are 
moot apt to be seized with the small-pox. 

SYMPTOMS.—This disease is so generally known, tpat a minute 
description of it is unnecessary. Children commonly look a little 
dull, seem listless and drowsy l’ora few days before the more violent 
symptoms' of the small-pox appear. They are likewise more inclin¬ 
ed to drink than usual, have little appetite for solid food, complain 
of weariness, and, upon taking exercise, are apt to sweat. These 
are succeeded by slight fits of cold and heat in turns, which, as the 
time of the eruption approaches' become more violent, and are ac¬ 
companied with pains of {he- head and loins, vomiting, &:c. ' n '-- 


The 


pulse is quick,' with a great heat of the skin, and restlessness. When 
the patient drops asleep, he wakes in a kind of horror, with a sud¬ 
den start, which is a very common symptom of the approaching 
eruption; as are also convulsion-fits in very young children. 

About the third or fourth dav from the time or sickening, the 
small-pox generally begin to appear; sometimes indeed they appear 
sooner, but that is no favourable symptom. At first they very 
nearly resemble flea-bites, and are soonest discovered on the face, 
arms, and breast. ' • 

The most favourable symptoms are a slow eruption, and an abate¬ 
ment of the fever as soon as the pustules appear. In a mild dis¬ 
tinct kind of'small-pox the pustules seldom appear before the fourth 
day from the time of sickening, and they generally keep coming 
out gradully for several days after. Pustules which are distinct, 
with a florid red basis, and which fill with thick purulent matter, 
first, of a whitish, and afterwards'a yellowish colour, are the best. 

A lived brown colour of the pustules is an unfavourable symp¬ 
tom; as also when they are smaH ahd flat, wjth black specks in the 
•middle. Pustules which contain a thin watery ichor are very bad. 
A great number of pox on th« face is always attended, with danger. 
It is likewise a very bad sign when they run into one another. 

It is a most unfavourable symptom when petechia*, or purple, 
brown, or black spots are interspersed among the pustules. These 
are signs of a putrid dissolution of the biqod, and shew the danger 
to be very great. Bloody stoois or urine, with a swelled belly, art 4 
bad symptoms; as is also a continual'strangury. Pale urine'and a 
violent throbbing of the arteries of the neck "are signs of an ap- r 
preaching delirium, or of convulsion-tits. When the face does 
not swell, or falls before tiic pox conic to maturity, it is very unfa¬ 
vourable. If the face begins to fall about the 1 1 thor 12th dav, and at 
the same time the hands and feet begin to swell, the patient generally 
does well; but when these do not succeed to each other, there i's 
reason to apprehend danger. When the longue is covered with a. 
^rp\yn crust, it is an unfavourable symptom. Cold shivering fits 

• coming 



OF THE SMALL-POX. 


127 


coming on at the height of ihe disease are likewise -unfavourable- 
grinding of the teeth, when it proceeds from an affection of the ner¬ 
vous system, is a bad sign ; but sometimes it is occasioned by worms, 
or a disordered stomach. 

REGIMEN.-When the first symptoms of the small-pox ap¬ 

pear, people are ready to be alarmed, and often fly to the use of 
medicine, to the great danger of tpe pat-enfs life. J have known 
children, to appease the anxiety of their parents bled, blistered, 
and purged, during the fever whbh preceded the eruption of the 
small-pox, to such a degree that Nature was not pnly disturbed in 
her operation, but rendered unable to support the pustules after 
they were out; so that the patient, exhausted by mere evacuations, 
sunk under the disease. 

When convulsions appear, they give a dreadful alarm. Immedi¬ 
ately some nostrum is applied, as if this were a primary disease; 
whereas it is only a symptom, and far from being an uiffavourable 
one, of the approaching eruption. As the fits generally go off be¬ 
fore the actual appearance of the small-pox, it is attributed to the 
medicine, which by this means acquires a reputation without any 
merit*. 

All that is, generally speaking, necessary during the eruptive fe¬ 
ver, is to keep the patient cool and easy, allowing'him to drink free¬ 
ly of some weak diluting liquors; as balm-tea, barley-water, clear 
whey, gruels, &c. He should not be confined to bed, but should 
sit up as much as he is able, and should have his feet and legs fre¬ 
quently bathed in lukewarm water. His food ought to be very- 
light; and |ie should be as little disturbed with company as possible. 

Much mischief is done at this period by confining the patient too 
soon to his bed, and plying him with warm cordials or sudorific me¬ 
dicines. Every thing that heats and inflames the blood increases the 
fever, and pushes out the pustules prematurely. This has number¬ 
less ill effects, |t not only increases the number of pustules, but 
likewise tends to make them run into one another; and when they 
have been pushed out with top great a violence, they generally fall 
in before they come to maturity. 

The good women, as soon as they see the small-pox begin to ap¬ 
pear, commonly ply their tender charge with cordials, saffron, and 
marigold-teas, wine, punch, and even brandy itself. All these are 
given with a view, as they term it, to throw out the eruption uom 
the heart. This, like most other popular mistakes, is the abuse of a 
verv just observation, that when there is a moisture on the skin, the pox 
r ise helier, and the patient is easier , than when it continues dry and parch¬ 
ed. But that is no reason for forcing the patient into a sweat. 

* Convulfion fits are no doubt very alarming, but their effe&s are often fa- 
kUtary. They feemto be one of the means made ufe of by Nature for break¬ 
ing the force of a fever. I have always obferved the fever abated, and fome- 
times quite removed, after one or more convulfion-fits. This readily ac¬ 
counts for convulfions being a favourable fymptom in the fever which pre¬ 
cedes the eruption of the fmall-pox, as every thing that mitigates this fever 
$cflens the eruption. 

Sweating 



1 n/r 

4 -Q 


OF THE SMALL-POX. 


CAUSES.-The small-pox is commonly caught by infection 

Since the disease was first brought into Europe, the infection has 
never been wholly extinguished, nor have any proper methods, as 
*f--r as I know, been taken for that purpose; so that how it has be¬ 
come in a manner constitutional. Children who have oyer-heated 
themselves by running, wrestling, See. or adults after a debauch, are 
most apt to be seized with the small-pox. 

SYMPTOMS.-—This disease is so generally known, that a minute 
description of it is unnecessary. Children commonly look a little 
dull, seem listless and drowsy for a few da\s before the more violent 
symptoms'of the small-pox appear. They are likewise more inclin¬ 
ed to drink than usual, have little appetite for solid food, complain 
of weariness, and, upon taking exercise, are apt to sweat. These 
are succeeded by slight fits of cold and heal in turns, which, as the 
time of the'eruption approaches^ become more violent, and arc ac¬ 
companied with pains of the head and Joins, vomiting, &x. The 
pulse is quic k; with a great heat of the skin, and restlessness. When 
the patient drops asleep, he wakes in a kind of horror, with a sud¬ 
den start, which is a very common symptom of the'approaching 
eruption; as are also convulsion-fits in very young children. 

About the third or fourth day from the time of sickening, the 
small-pox generally begin to appear; sometimes indeed they appear 
sooner, but that is no favourable symptom. At first they very 
nearly resemble flea-bites, and arc soonest discovered on the face, 
arms, and breast.. ;■ • * ' ' 1 

The most favourable symptoms are a slow eruption, and an abate¬ 
ment of the fever as soon as the pustules appear. In a mild dis¬ 
tinct kind of ‘small-pox the pustules seldom appear before the fourth 
day from the time of sickening, and they generally keep coming 
out gradully for several days after. Pustules 1 which are distinct, 
with a florid red basis, and which fill with thick purulent matter, 
first, of a whitish, and afterwards a yellowish colour, are the best. 

A lived brown colour of the pustules is an unfavourable symp¬ 
tom; as also when they are small afid flat, wjth black specks in the 
middle. Pustules which contain a thin watery ichor are very bad. 
A great number of pox on th« face is always attended, with danger. 
It is likewise a very bad sign'when they run into one another. 

It is a most unfavourable symptom when petechia?, or purple, 
brown, or black spots are interspersed among the pustules. These 
are signs of a putrid dissolution of the blood, and shew the danger 
to be very great. Bloody stools or yrine, with a swelled belly, aid 
bad symptoms; as is also a continual strangury. Pale urine'and a 
violent throbbing of the arterips of the neck are signs of an ap~ r 
preaching delirium, or of convulsion-fits. When the face does 
not swell, or rails before the pox comp to maturity, it is very unfa¬ 
vourable. If the face begins to fall about the 1 1 thdr 12th dav, and at 
the same time the hands and feet begin to swell, the patient generally 
does well; but when these do not succeed to each other, there i's 
reason to apprehend danger. When the tongue is covered with a 
igown crust, it is an unfavourable symptom. Cold shivering fit's 

■ coming 



OF THE SMALL-POX. 


127 


coming on at the height, of the disease are likewise unfavourable* 
Grinding of the teeth, when it proceeds from an affection of the ner¬ 
vous system, is a bad sign ; but sometimes it is occasioned by worms, 
or a disordered stomach. 

REGIMEN.-When the first symptoms of the small-pox ap¬ 

pear, people are ready to be alarmed, and often fly to the use of 
medicine, to the great danger of tpe pat-entbs life. I have known 
children, to appease the anxiety of their parent*, bled, blistered, 
and purged, during the fever whi-h preceded the eruption of the 
small-pox, to such a degree that Nature was not pnly disturbed in 
her operation, but rendered up.able to support the pustules after 
they were out; so that the patient, exhausted by mere evacuations, 
sunk under the disease. 

When convulsions appear, they give a dreadful alarm. Immedi¬ 
ately some nostrupi is applied, as if this were a primary disease; 
whereas it is only a symptom, and far from being an unfavourable 
one, of the approaching eruption. As the fits generally go off be¬ 
fore the actual appearance of the small-pox, it is attributed to the 
medicine, which by this means acquires a reputation without any 
merit*. 

All that is, generally speaking, necessary during the eruptive fe¬ 
ver, is to keep the patient cool and easy, allowing him to drink free¬ 
ly of some weak diluting liquors; as balm-tea, barley-water, clear 
whey, gruels, &c. Fie should not be confined to bed, but should 
sit up as much as he is able, and should have his feet and legs fre¬ 
quently bathed in lukewarm water. His food ought to be very- 
light; and he should be as little disturbed with company as possible. 

Much mischief is done at this period by confining the patient too 
soon to his bed, and plying him with warm cordials or sudorific me¬ 
dicines. Every thing that heats and inflames the blood increases the 
fever, and pushes out the pustules prematurely. This has number¬ 
less ill effects. Jt not only increases the number of pustules, but 
likewise tends to make them run into one another; and when they 
have been pushed out with top great a violence, they generally fall 
in before they come to maturity. 

The good women, as soon as they see the small-pox begin to ap¬ 
pear, commonly ply their tender charge w'ith cordials, saffron, and 
marigold-teas, wine, punch, and even brandy itself. All these are 
given with a view, as they term it, to throw out the eruption uorn 
the heart. This, like most other popular mistakes, is the abuse of a 
verv just observation, that when there is a moisture on the skin , the pox 
rise heller , and the patient is easier, than zvhen it continues dry and parch¬ 
ed. But that is no reason for forcing the patient into a sweat. 

* Convulfion fits are no doubt very alarming, but their effe&s are often IV 
iutarv. They feem to be one of the means made ufe of by Nature for break¬ 
ing the force of a fever. I have always obferved the fever abated, and lome- 
times quite removed, after one or more convulfion-fits. This readily ac¬ 
counts for convulfions being a favourable fymptom in the fever which pre¬ 
cedes the eruption of the fmall-pox, as every thing that mitigates this fever 
^eflens the eruption. 

Sweating 




X 28 OF THE SMALL-POX. 

Sweating never relieves unless where it comes spontaneously, or is 
the effect of drinking weak diluting liquors. 

Children are often so peevish, that they will not lie a-bed without 
a nurse constantly by them. Indulging them in this, we have 
reason to believe, has many bad effects both upon the nurse and 
child. Even die natural heat of the nurse cannot fail to augment 
the fever of the child; but if she too proves feverish, which is of. 
ten die case, the danger must be encreased*. 

Laying several children who have the small-pox in the same bed 
has many ill consequences. They ought if possible never to be in 
the same chamber, as the perspiration, the heat, the smell, &c. all 
tend to augment the fever, and to heighten the disease. It is com-, 
in on among the poor to see two or three children lying in the same 
bed, with such a load of pustules that even their skins stick toge¬ 
ther. One can hardly view a scene of this kind without being sick¬ 
ened by the sight. But how must the effluvia affect the poor pa¬ 
tient', many ot whom perish by this usag'ef. 

A very dirty custom prevails among the lower class of people, of 
allowing children in the small-pox to keep on the same linen dur¬ 
ing the whole period of that loathsome disease. This is done lest 
they should catch cold; but it has many ill consequences. The 
linen becomes hard by the moisture which it ab-orbes, and frets the 
tender skin, it likewise occasions a bad smell, which is very per¬ 
nicious both to the patient and those about him; besides, the filth 
and sordes which adhere to the linen, being resorbed, or taken up 
again into the body, greatly augment the disease. 

A patient should not be suffered to be dirty in an internal dis¬ 
ease, far less in the small-pox. Cutaneous disorders are often occa¬ 
sioned by nastiness alone, and are always increased by it. Were 
the patient's linen to be changed every day, it would greatly refresh 
him. Care indeed is to be taken that the linen be thoroughly dry. 
It ought likewise to be put on when the patient is most cool. 

So strong is the vulgar prejudice in this country, notwithstanding 
all that has been said against the hot regimen in the small-pox, that 
numbers still fall a sacrifice to that error, i have seen poor women 
travelling in the depth of winter, and carrying their children along 

* I have known a nurfe, who had the fmall-pox before, fo infe<fted by lying- 
ronftantly a-bed with a child in a bad kind of fmali-pox, that the had net 
only a great number of puilules which broke out all over her bedy, but af¬ 
terwards a malignant fever which terminated in a number of impofthumes or 
boils, and from which the narrowly efcaped with her life. We mention this 
to put others upon their guard againil the danger of this virulent infection. 

f This obfervation is like wife applicable to hofpitals, work-houfes, &c. 
where numbers of children happen to have the fmall-pox at the fame time. 
I have ieen ab ve forty children cooped up in one apartment all the while 
they had this difeafe, without any of them being admitted to breathe the 
freih air. No one can be at a lofs to fee the impropriety of fuch conduct. 
It ought to be a rule not only in hofpitals for the fmall-pox, but like wife for 
other difeafes, that no patient fhould be within fight cr hearing of another. 
This is a matter to which too little regard is paid. In moil hofpitals and in¬ 
firmaries, the fick, the dying, aud the dead, are often to be ieen in the fame 
apartment. 


with 


129 


OF THE SMALL-POX. 

with them in the small-pox, and have frequently observed others 
begging by the way-side with infants in their arms covered with the 
pustules; yet I could never learn that one of these children died by 
this sort of treatment. This is certainly a sufficient proof of the 
safety, at least, of exposing patients in the small-pox to the open 
air. Then; can be no reason however for exposing them to public 
view. It is now very common in the environs of great towns to 
meet patients in the small-pox on the public walks. This practice, 
however Vv r ell it may suit the purposes of boasting inoculators, is 
dangerous to the citizens, and contrary tb the laws of humanity and 
sound policy. 

The food in this disease ought to be very light, and of a cooling 
nature, as panado, or bread boiled with equal quantities of milk 
and water, good apples roasted or boiled with milk, and sweetened 
With a little sugar or such like. 

The drink may be equal parts of milk and water, clear sweet 
whey, barley-water, or thin gruel, &c. After the pox are full, 
butter-milk, being of an opening and cleansing nature, is a very 
proper drink. 

MEDICINE.—-—This disease is generally divided into four dif¬ 
ferent periods, viz. the fever which precedes the eruption, the erup¬ 
tion itself, the suppuration or maturation of the pustules, and the 
secondary fever. 

It has already been observed, that little more is necessary during 
the primary fever than to keep the patient cool and quiet, allow¬ 
ing him to drink diluting liquors, and bathing his feet frequently in 
warm water. Though this be generally the safest course that can 
be taken with infants, yet adults, of a strong constitution and ple¬ 
thoric habit, sometimes require bleeding. When a full pulse, a 
dry skin, and other symptoms of inflammation render this operation 
necessary, it ought to be performed; but, unless these symptoms 
are urgent, it is safer to let it alone; if the body is bound, emol¬ 
lient clysters may be thrown in. 

If there is a great nausea or inclination to vomit, weak camomile 
tea or lukewarm water may be drank, in order to cleanse the sto¬ 
mach. At the beginning of a fever. Nature generally attempts a 
discharge, either upwards or downwards, which, if promoted by 
gentle means, would tend greatly to abate the violence of the dis¬ 
ease. 

Though every method is to be taken during the primary fever, 
by a cool regimen, &c. to prevent too great an eruption; yet af¬ 
ter the p ustules have made their appearance, our business is to pro- 
mote the suppuration, by diluting drink, light food, and, if Nature 
seems to flag, by generous cordials. When a low creeping pulse, 
faintishness* and great loss of strength, render cordials necessary, 
we would recommend good wine, which may be made into negus, 
with an equal quantity of water, and sharpened with the juice of 
orange, the jelly of currants, or the like Wine-whey, sharpened 
as above, is likewise a proper drink in this case; great care how¬ 
ever must be taken not to over-heat the patient by any of 

these 




130 OF T II E SMALL-POa. 

\ , „ ■ • V. 

these things. This, instead of promoting, would retard the erup¬ 
tion. 

The rising of the small-pox is often prevented by the violence of 
the fever; in this case the cool regimen is strictly to be observed. 
The patient's chamber must not only be kept cool,' but he ought 
likewise frequently to be taken out of the bed, and to be lightly 
covered with clothes while in it , 

Excessive restlessness often prevents the rising and tilling of the 
small-pox. Wheil this happens, gentle opiates are necessary. 
These however ought always to be administered with a sparing 
hand. To an infant, a tea-spoonful of the sprup of poppies may¬ 
be giveft every live or six hours till it has the desired etlect. An 
adult will require a. table-spoonful in order to answer the same pur¬ 
pose. - . . 

If the patient be troubled with a strangury, or suppression of 
urine, which often happens in the small-pox, he should be frequent¬ 
ly taken out of bed, and, if he be able, should walk across the 
room with his feet bare. When he cannot do this, he may frequent¬ 
ly set on his knees in bed, and should endeavour to pass his urine as 
often as he can. When these do not succeed, a tea-spoonful of (he 
sweet spirits of nitre may be occasionally mixed with his drink. 
Nothing more certainly relieves the patient, or is more beneficial in 
the small-pox, than a plentiful discharge of urine 

If the month be foul, and the tongue dry and chapped, it ought 
frequently to bd washed, and the throat gargled with water and ho¬ 
ney, sharpened with a little vinegar or currant jelly. 

During the rising of the small-pox,' it frequently happens that the 
patient is eight or ten days without a stool. This not only tends to 
heat and inflame the blood, but the faeces, by lodging so long in the 
body, become acrid, and even putrid; from whence bad conse¬ 
quences must ensue. It will therefore be proper, when the body is 
bound, to throw an emollient clyster every second or third day 
th rough the whole course of the disease. This will greatly cool 
and relieve the patient. 

When petechia?, or purple, black, or livid spots appear among 
the: small-pox, the Peruvian bark must immediately be administered 
in as large doses as the patient’s stomach Can bear. For a child, 
two drachms of the bark in powetef may be mixed in three ounces 
of common water, one ounce of simple cinnamon water, and two 
ounces of the syrup of orange or lemon. This may be sharpened 
with the spirits of vitriol, and a table-spoonful of. it given every 
hour.. If it be given to an adult in the same form, he may take at 
least three or four spoonfuls every hour. This medicine ought not 
to be trifled with, but must be administered as frequently as the sto¬ 
mach can hear it; in which case it will often produce very happy 
effects. I have frequently seen the petechias disappear, and the 
small-pox, which had a very threatening aspect, rise and fill with 
laudable matter, by the use of the bark and acids. 

The patient’s drink ought likewise in this case to be generous, as 
wine or strong negus acidulated with spirits of vitriol, vinegar, the 
jaxG of lemon, jelly of currants, or stick like. His food must con- 


O F T H E g M A L L-P O X. 


sist of apples, roasted or boiled, preserved cherries plums, and 
other fruits of an arid hat (ire. 

rhe b':-! :'k and add. 4 are not bn’y necessary when the petechiie or 
putrid symptoms appear, but likewise in the lymphatic or crystal¬ 
line small-pox, uheje the matter is thin, and not duly prepared. The 
Peruvian bark' seems to possess a singular power of assisting Nature 
in preparing laudable pus, or what is called good (natter; coil equenr- 
?y it must be beneficial both in this and other diseases, where the 
Crisis depends oh a suppuration. I Have often observed where the 
small-pox were Hat; and the matter contained in them quite c lear 
and transparent; and where at first they had the appearance of run¬ 
ning info one another, that the Peruvian bark, acidulaced as above, 
fchanged the colour and consistence of the matter, and produced the 

O I 


most happy effects.. 

When the eruption subsides suddenly, or, as the good women 
term it, when the small-pox strike in, before they have arrived at 
maturity, the danger is very great. In this ease blistering-plasters 
tmisl be immediately applied to the wrists and Uncles, and the pa¬ 
tient’s spirits supported with cordials. 

Sometimes bleeding has a surprizing effect in raising the pustules 
after they have subsided; but it requires skill to know when this is 
proper, or to what length the patient can bear it. Sharp cata¬ 
plasms however may be applied to the feet and hands, as they tend 
to promote the swelling of these parts, and by that means to draw* 
the humoufs towards the extremities. 

The most dangerous period of this disease is what we call the se¬ 
condary fever. This generally comes on when trie small-pox begin 
to blacken, or turn on the face; and most of those who die of the 


small-pox are carried off by this fever. 

Nature generally attempts, at the turn of the small-pox, ib relieve 
the patient by loose stools. Her endeavours this way are bv no 
means to be counteracted, but promoted, and (lie patient at the 
same time supported by food and drink of a nourishing and cordial 
fiat ure; 

If at the approach of the secondary fever, the pulse be very 
quick, hard, and strong, the heat intense, and the breathing labo¬ 
rious, with other symptoms of an inflammation of the breast, the 
patient must immediately be bled. 1 he quantity of blood to be 
let must be regulated by the patient’s strength, age; and the ur¬ 
gency of the symptoms. 

Blit in the secondary fever, if the patient be faintish, the pus¬ 
tules become suddenly pale, and if there be great Coldness of the 
extremities, blistering-plasters must be applied, and the patient must 
be supported with generous cordials. VV me and even spirits ha\e 
sometimes been given in such cases with amazing success.^ 

A s the secondary fever is in great measure, if not wholly, owing 
to the absorption of the matter, it would seem highly consonant to 
reason, that the pustules, as soon as they come to maturity, should 
be opened. This is every day practised in other phlegmons which 
tend to suppuration ; and there seems to be no cause why it should 
be less proper here. On the contrary, we have reason to b. licv-e 
r U that 



!S2 OF T H F SMALL-POX. 

that, by this means the secondary fever might always be lessened, 
and often wholly prevented. 

The pustules shoe I'd be opened when they begin to turn of a 
yellow colour. Very little art is necessary for this operation. They 
may either be opened with a lancet or a needle, and the matter ab¬ 
sorbed by a little dry lint. As the pustules are generally first iipe 
on the face it will be proper to begin with opening these, and the 
others in course as they become ripe. The pustules generally fill 
again, a'second or even a third time; for which cause the opera¬ 
tion must be repealed, or lather continued as long 3s there is any 
considerable appearance of matter in the pustules. 

V/e have reason to believe that this operation, rational as it is, 
has been neglected from a piece of mistaken tenderness in parents. 
They believe that it must give great pain to the poor child; and 
therefore would rather see it die than have it thus tortured. This 
notion however is entirely without foundation. I have frequently 
opened the pustules when the patient did not see me, without Ins 
being in the least sensible of it; but suppose it were attended with 
a little pain, that is nothing in comparison to the advantages which 
arhe from it. 

Opening the pustules not only prevents the resorption of the 
matter into the blood, but likewise takes off the tension of the 
skin, and by that means greatly relieves the patient. It likewise 
tends to prevent the oitting, which is a matter of no small impor¬ 
tance. Acrid matter by lodging long in' the pustules, cannot fail to 
corrode the tender skin ; by which many a handsome face becomes 
so deformed as hardly to bear a resemblance to the human figure*. 

It is generally necessary, after the small-pox are gone ofF to purge 
the patient. If however the body has been open through the whole 
course of the disease, or if butter-milk and other things of an open¬ 
ing nature have been drank freely after the height of the small-pox, 
purging becomes less necessary ; but it ought neveF wholly to be 
neglected. 

For very voting Children, an infusion of senna and prtines, with a 
little rhubarb, may be sweetened with coarse sugar, and given in 
small quantities till it operates. Those who are farther advanced 
must take medicines of a sharper nature. For example, a child of 
five or six years oi age may take eight or ten grains of tine rhubarb 
in powder overnight, and die same quantity of jalap in powder next 
morning. This may be wrought off with fresh broth or water-gruel, 
and may be repeated three or four times, live or six days interven¬ 
ing between each dose. For children further advanced, and adults, 
the dose must be increased in proportion to the age and cotistil utionf. 

When 

. .• i ’ > V ) 

* Though this rperation cart never do harm, yet it is only necefiarv when 
the patient has a great load of fmalt-pox. or when the matter which thev con¬ 
tain is of f© thin and acrid a lta-me, that there is reafon to apprehend bad 
Confequettees Sm its If mo; H o quickly reforbed, or taken tip again into the 
ms h of circular i vr humour'. 

O 

f | I r ave of la'e been aveuftomeu, after the fmall-pox, to give one, two, 
three, four, or five grains of calomel, according to the age of the patient, ^ver 

night, 


OF THE SMALL-POX. 


133 


When imposthumes happen after the small-pox, which is not sel¬ 
dom the case, they must be brought to suppuration as soon as pos¬ 
sible, by means of ripening poultices; and when they have been 
opened, or have broke of their own accord, the patient must be 
purged. The Peruvian bark and a milk diet will likewise be useful 
in this case. 

When a cough, a difficulty of breathing, or other symptoms of a 
consumption, succeed to the sipall-pox, the patient must be sent to 
a place w'.herd the air is good, and put upon a course of asses milk, 
with such exercise as he can bear. For further directions in this 
case, see. the article Consumption y. 

Of Inoculation . 

Though no disease, after it is formed, baffles the. powers of me¬ 
dicine more effectually than the small-pox, yet more may be done 
before-hand to render this disease favourable than any one we 
know, as almost ail the danger from it may be prevented by inocu¬ 
lation. This Salutary invention has been known in Europe above 
half a cent pry ; but, like most other useful discoveries, it has till of 
late made but slow progress. It must however be acknowledged, 
to the honour of this country, that inoculation has met with a more 
favourable reception here, than among any of our neighbours. It 
is still however far from being general, which we have reason to 
fear will be the case, as long as the practice continues in tile hands 
of the faculty. 

No discovery can be of general, utility, while the practice of it 
is kept in the hands of a few. Had the inoculation of the small¬ 
pox been introduced as a fashion, and not as a medical discovery, 
6r had it been practiced by the same kind of operators here, as it is 
in those countries from whence we learned it, it had long ago been 
Mniversal. The fears, the jealousies, the prejudices, and the oppo¬ 
site interests of the faculty, are, and ever will be, the most eflcc- 
tual obstacles to the progress of any salutary discovery. Hence it 
is that the practice of inoculation never became in any measure ge¬ 
neral, even in England, till taken up by men not bred to physic. 
These have not only rendered the practice more extensive, but like¬ 
wise more safe, and by acting under less restraint than the regular 
practitioners, have taught them that the patient's greatest danger, 
arose, not from the want of care, but from the excess of it. 

They know very little of the matter, who impute, the success of 
modern inoctilatorS to any superior skill, either in preparing the pa¬ 
tient or communicating the disease. Some of them indeed, from a 
sordid desire of engrossing the whole practice to themselves, pre¬ 
tend to have extraordinary secrets or nostrums for preparing per¬ 
sons for inoculation, which never fail of success. But this is only 
a pretence calculated to blind the ignorant and inattentive. Ccm- 

night, to work it off next morning with a fwitable dofe of jalap. Or the 
jalap and calomel may be mixed together, and given in the morning. 


men 




m or the sm 


A L 


L-POI 


mon sense and prudence alone are sufficient both in the choice of 
the subject and management of the operation. Whoever is pos¬ 
sessed pi these may perform this oifiec for his children whenever he 
‘finds it convenient , provided they be in'a good state of health'. 

Jhis sentiment is not the result of -neory, but or' observation. 
Though few physicians have had more opportunities of trying ino¬ 
culation in all its different forms, so title appears to me to depend 
on those, generally reckoned important circumstances, of preparing 
the body, communicating the infection by this or the other method, 
&c. that for several years past I have persuaded the parents or 
nurses to perforin the whole themselv es, and have found that method 
followed ’with equal success, while it w free hum many inconve¬ 
niences that attend the other*. 

The small-pox may be communicated in a great variety of wavs 
with nearly the same degree of safety and success. In Tin key, 
from whence vve learned the practice, tne women communicate tne 
disease to children, by opening a bit of the skin wdh a needle, and 
putting into the wound a little matter taken from a ripe pustule.' 
On the coast of Barbary they pass a thread wet with thy mailer 
through the skin between the thumb and fore-finger; and in some 
of the states of Barbary, inoculation is performed by rubbing in the 
variolous matter between the thumb and fore-finger, or on other 
parts of the body. The practice of coiinnnmealing the small-pox*, 
by rubbing the variolous matter upon the skin, lias been long know li 
in many parts of Asia and Europe as well as in Bar bar v, ana has ge¬ 
nerally gone by the name of buying the smallpox. 

The present-method of inoculating in Britain is to make two or 
three slanting incisions in the arm, so superficial as not to pierce 
quite through the skin, wiih a lancet wet with fresh matter taken 
from a ripe pustule’; afterwards the wounds are closed up, and left 
without any dressing;' Some make use of a lancet' covered with 
dry matter; bur. this is less certain, and ought never to he used urw 
less where fresh matter cannot be obtained : when this is the case, 
the matter ought to be moistened by liplding the lancet for some 
lime in the steam of warm waterf- Indeed 

* A critical lima", ion, too often to be met with, fir ft. put rr.e upon trying this, 
method. A gentleman who had loft all his children except one fon by the 
natural fmall-pox, was determined to have him inoculated. He told me his 
intention, a a cl dented I would perfua do the mother and grandmother, &e. of 
3 3 propriety. But that was impojfible. They were not to be perfuacled, and 
either could not get the better of their fears, or were determined aga'mfl con- 
vision. It was always a point with me not to perform the operation with¬ 
out the con font of fhe parties concerned. I therefore aclvifed the father, af¬ 
ter giving ins fon a dofe or two of rhubarb, to go to a patient who had the 
fmall-pox of a good kind, to open two or three of the pit flutes, taking up the 
inane 1 v ili a litcle cocto.i. and as ipon as he came home to take his ion 
.-.pur., and give his arm a flight ferateh with a pm, afterwards to rub the 
place well with cotton, and take no farther notice'of it. All this he punc¬ 
tually performed: and at the ufual period the fmalhpox made their anpear- 
ynce, which were of an exceeding good kind, and {•> mild as not to coniine 
the boy an hour to his bed. None of the other relations knew but the dif- 
caic had come in the natural way, till the hoy was well. 

f Mi*. Tkoxciiin communicates this difcaic by a Hale bit of thread dim 

in 


OF THE SMALL-POX 



|ndood if fresh matter be applied long enough to the skin, there 
Js no occasion for any wound at all. Let a bit of thread, about half 
an inch long, wet with the matter, be immediately applied to the 
arm, midway between the shoulder and the elbow, and covered 
sat th a piece of the common sticking plaster, and kept on for eight 
or ten days. This will seldom fall to communicate the disease. We 

j 

mention this method, because many people are afraid of a wound; 
and doubtless the more easily the operation can be. performed, it has 
the greater chance to become general. Some people imagine, that 
the discharge from a wound lessens the eruption ; but there is no 
great stress to be laid upon this notion; besiues, deep wounds often 
ulcerate, and become troublesome. 

We do not find that inoculation is at all considered as a medical 
operation in those countries from whence we learned it. In Tur¬ 
ley it is performed by the women, and in the East-Indies by the 
Brachmins or priests. In this country the custom is still in its in¬ 
fancy; we make no doubt, however, but it will soon become so fa¬ 
miliar, that parents will think no more of inoculating their children, 
than at present they do of giving them a purge. 

No set of men have it so much in their power to render the prac¬ 
tice of inoculation general as the clergy, the greatest opposition to 
it still aWing from some scruples of conscience, which they alone 
r an remove. I would recommehd it to them not only to endeavour 
to remove the religious objections which weak minds may have to 
this salutary practice, but to enjoin it as a duty, and to point out 
the danger of neglecting to make use of a mean which Providence 
has-put into our power, for saving the lives of our offspring Sure¬ 
ly such parents as wilfully neglect the rpeans of saving their chil¬ 
dren’s lives, are as guilty as those who put them to death. I wish 
this matter were duly weighed. No one is more ready to make al¬ 
lowance for human weakness and religious prejudices; yet I cannot 
help recommending it, in the warmest manner, to parents, to consi¬ 
der how great an injury they do their children, by neglecting to giva 
them this disease in the early period of life. 

The numerous advantages arising from the inoculation of the 
small-pox have been prettv fully pointed out by the learned Dr. 
JVLKinzie, in his History of Health*. To those mentioned by the 

Doctor 

Jn, the matter, which lie covers with a fmall bliftering-plafter. This method 
may no doubt be ufed with advantage in thole cafes where the patient is 
very much alarmed at the fight, of any cutting inftrument. 

* “ Many and great,” fays this humane author, “ are the dangers attend¬ 
ing the natural infection, from all which the inoculation is quite fecure. The 
natural infection may invade weak or diftempered bodies, by no means dil- 
pofed for its kindly reception. It may attack them at a feafon of the year 
either violently hot or intensely cold. It may' be communicated from a fort 
of fmall-pox impregnated with the utm'oft virulence. It may lay hold upon 
people unexpectedly, when a dangerous fort is imprudently imported into a 
maritime place. It may furprife us foon after cxcelfes committed in luxury. 
Intemperance, or lewdnefs. It may likewife feize on the innocent after in- 
difpen fable watchings, hard labour, or neceflary journies. And is it a tri¬ 
vial advantage, that alllhefe unhappy circumftauces can be prevented by ino¬ 
culation ? By inoculation numbers are faved from deformity as well as from 

death. 




136 


OF THE SMALL-POX. 


Doctor we shall onlv arid, that such as have not had th,e small-pox: 
in the early period of life are not only rendered unhappy, but like¬ 
wise in a great measure unfit for sustaining many of the most use¬ 
ful and important ojbces Few people would chuse even to hire a 
servant who had not had the small-pox, far less to purchase a slave, 
who had the chance of dying of this disease. How could a phy¬ 
sician or a surgeon, who had never had the small-pox himself, at¬ 
tend others under that malady? How deplorable is the situation of 
females, who arrive at mature age without having had the small¬ 
pox! A woman with child seldom survives this disease: and if 
an infant happen to be seized with the small-pox upon the mother’s 
breasl, who has not had the disease herself, the scene must be dis¬ 
tressing! If she continue to suckle ttie child, it is at the peril of 
her own life; and if she wean it, in all probability it will perish. 
How often is the affectionate mother forced to leave her house, and 
abandon her children, at the very tj me when her care is most neces¬ 
sary? Yet, should parental affection get the better of her fears, the 
consequences would often prove fatal. 1 have known the tender 
mother and her sucking infant laid in the same grave, both untimely 
victims to tnis dreadful malady. But these are scenes too shocking 
even to mention. Let parents who run away with their children to. 
avoid the small-pox, or who refuse to inoculate them in infancy, 
consider to what deplorable situations they may be reduced by this 
mistaken tenderness ! , 


As the smgll-pox is now become an epidemical disease in most 
parts of the known world, no other choice remains but to render the 
malady as mild as possible. This is the only manner of* extirpation 
now left in our power; and though it may seem parodoxical, the 
artificial method of communicating the disease, could it be render¬ 
ed universal, would amount to nearly the same thing as rooting it 
out. It is a matter of small consequence, whether a disease be en- 


death. In the natural fmall-pox, how often a r e the fineft features, and the 
moil beautiful ^complexions, miferablv disfigured? Whereas inoculation rare¬ 
ly leaves any ugly marks or fears, even where the number of pulhiles on the. 
face has been very confiderable, and the fymptoms by no means favourable. 
And many other grievous complaints <hat are frequently fubfequent to the 
natural fort, feldom follow the artificial. Doer, not inoculation alfo nrevent 
thole inexuveflible terrors that perpetually harals perlbns who never had this 
difeafe, infomuch that when the fmall-pox is epidemical, entire villages are 
depopulated, markets ruined, and the face of diftrefs l’pread over the whole 
country? From this terror it arifes, that jullice is frequently poltponed, or 
discouraged, at feifions or afiiz.es where the fin all pox rages. Witnefl.es and 
Julies hare not appear; and by reafon of the neeelfary able nee of feme gen¬ 
tlemen, our honourable and uieful judges are not attended with that reve¬ 
rence and fplendour due to then; office and merit. Does not inoculation, in 
like manner, prevent our brave tailors from being feu zed with this diflemper 
on (bipboard, where they mult quickly ipread the infection among fuch of the 
crew who never had it before, and where they have fcarce any chance to ef- 
cape, being half hided with the clofenefs of their cabins, and but very indif¬ 
ferently nurfed ? Luflly, with regard to the f drliery, the miferies attending 
thefe poor creatures, when attacked by the fmall-pox on a march, are incon¬ 
ceivable, without attendance, without lodgings, without any accommoda¬ 
tion; fo that one of three commonly perifhes.” 

tirely 


OF TIIE S M A L L-P O X. 


137 


tirelv extirpated, or rendered so mild as neither to destroy life nor 
hurt the constitution; but that this may be done by inoculation, docs' 
not now admit of a doubt. The numbers who die under inocula¬ 
tion hardly deserve to be named. In the natural w ay, one in four 
or five generally dies; but by inoculation not one of a thousand; 
Nav, some Can boast of having inoculated ten thousand without 
the loss of a single patient. 

I have often wished to see some plan established for rendering 
this salutary practice universal; but am afraid I shall never be so 
happy. The difficulties indeed are many ; yet th« thing is bv no 
means impracticable. The aim is great: no less* than saving the 
lives of one-fourth part of mankind. What ought not to be at¬ 
tempted in order to accomplish so desirable an end ? 

The first step towards rendering the practice universal, must be 
to remove the religious prejudices against it. This, as already ob¬ 
served, can only be done by the clergy. They must not only re¬ 
commend it as a dutv to others, but likewise practise it on their 
own children. Example will ever have more influence than pre¬ 


cept. 

The next thing requisite is to put it in the power of all. For ihh 
purpose we would recommend it to the Faculty to inoculate the chil¬ 
dren of the poor gratis. It is hard that so useful a part of mankind 
should, by their poverty, be excluded frcm such a benefit. 

Should this fail, it is surely in the power of any state to render 
the practice general, at least as far as their dominion extends. We 
do not mean that it ought to be enforced by a law. The best wav 
to promote it would be to employ a sufficient number of operators 
at the public expence to inoculate the children of the poor. This 
would only be necessary till the practice became general; aftetwards 
custom, the strongest of all laws, would oblige every individual to 
inoculate his children to prevent reflections. 

It may be objected to this scheme, that the poor would refuse to 
employ the inoculators ; this difficulty is easilv removed. A small 
premium to enable mothers to attend their children while under the 
disease, would be a sufficient inducement; besides, the success at¬ 
tending th.e operation w ould soon banish all objectu ns to it. Event 
considerations of profit would induce the poor to embrace this plan 
They often bring up their children to the age of ten or twelve, and 
when they come to be useful, they are snatched away by this mala- 
' dy, to the great loss of their parents, and detriment of the public. 

The British legislature has of late years shewn great attention t© 
the preservation of infant-lives, by supporting the foundling-hos¬ 
pital, &c. But we will venture to say, if one tenth-part of the 
sums laid out ifi supporting that institution, had been bestowed to¬ 
wards promoting the practice of inoculation of the small-pox among 
the poor, that not only more useful lives had been saved, but the 
practice, ere now’, rendered quite universal in this island, It is not 
to be imagined what effect example and a little money will have 
upon the poor; yet, if left to themselves, they would g<* on for 
ever in the old way, without thinking of any improvement. We 
«nly mean this as a hint to the humane and public-spirited Should? 




IS 8 


'OF THE SMALL-POX. 

such a scheme he approved, a proper plan might easily he laid 
down for the execution of it. 

Em as public plans are very difficult to bring about, and often, 
by (he selfish views and misconduct of those entrusted with (he ex¬ 
ecution of th&n, fail of answering the noble purposes for which 
they were designed; we shall therefore point out some other me¬ 
thod by which the benefits of inocula ion may be extended to the 
poor. 

There is no doubt but inoeulators will daily become more nume¬ 
rous. We would therefore have every parish in Britain to allo\i r 
one of them a small annual salary for inoculating, all the children of 
the parish at a proper age. This might be done at a very trifling 
expence, and it would enable every one to enjoy the benefit of this 
salutary inversion. 

Two tilings chiefly operate to prevent the progress of inoculation. 
The one is a wish to put the evil day as far ofi as possible. This 
is a principle in our nature; and as inoculation seems rather to be 
anticipating a future evil, it is no wonder mankind are so averse 
to it. Bnt this objection is sufficiently answered by the success. 
Who in his senses would not prefer a lesser evil to-day to a greater 
to morrow, provided they were equally certain ? 

The other obstacle is the fear of reflections* This lias a very 
£reat weight with the bulk of mankind. Should the child die, they 
think the world would blame them. This they cannot bear. Here 
lies the difficulty; and, till that be removed, inoculation will make 
but small progress. Nothing however can remove it but custom. 
Make the practice fashionable, and all objections will soon vanish. 
It is fashion alone that has led the multitude since the beginning of 
the world, and will lead them to the end. We must therefore call 
•upon the more enlightened part of mankind to set a pattern to the 
rest. Their example, though it may for some time meet with op¬ 
position, will at length pievaii. 

I am aware of an objection to this practice from the expence with 
tvhich it may be attended : this is easily obWaled. We do not 
mean that every parish ought to employ a Sutton or a Dimsdale as 
inoeulators. These have by their success already lecommended 
themselves to crowned heads, and are beyond the vulgar reach ; but 
have not others an equal chance to succeed ? They certainly have. 
Let them make the same (rial, and the difficulties will sooh vanish. 
Lherfc is not a parish, and hardly a village in Britain, destitute of 
some who can bleed. But this is a far more difficult operation, and 
requires both more skill and dexterity than inoculation. 

The persons to whom we would chiefly recommend the perform¬ 
ance of this operate n are the clergy. Most of them know some¬ 
thing of medicme* Almost all of them blefed, and can order a 
pur ge, which are all the qualifications necessary for the practice of 
inoeuiat ion. The priests among the less enlightened Indians per¬ 
form this office, and why should a Christian teacher think himself 
above it? Surely the bodies of men, as well their souls, merit a 
pa't of the pastor’s care ; at least the greatest Teacher who ever 
appeared among men, seems to have thought so. 


Should * 


Should aU other methods fail, we would recommend it to parents 
Vo perform the operation themselves. Let them take any method 
'of communicating the'disease they please ; provided'the subjects he 
healthy, and Or a proper age, they will seldom (ail Co succeed to 
their wish. I have known many instances even of mothers perform¬ 
ing the operation, arid never so much as heard of one had conse- 
' (iience. A planter in one of the West India islands is said to have 
inoculated, with his own hand, in one year, three hundred of his 
slaves, who, notwithstanding the warmth of the climate, and other 
unfavorable circumstances, all did well. Common mechanics have 
often,, to tny knowledge, performed the operation with as good suc¬ 
cess as physicians. We do not however mean to discourage those 
who have it in their power, from employing people bf skill to ino¬ 
culate their children, and attend them while under the disease ; but 
only to shew, that where such cannot be had, the operation ought 
not upon that account to be neglected. 

Instead of multiplying arguments to recommend this practice, I 
shall just beg leave to mention the method which I took with my 
own son, then an only child. After giving him two gentle purges, 
I ordered the nurse to take a bit of thread which had been previously 
wet with fresh matter from a pock, and to lav it upon his arm, cov* 
ering it wkh a piece of sticking-plaster. This remained on six or 
seven days, till it was rubbed off by accident. At the usual time 
the small-pplk made their appearance, and were exceedingly favor¬ 
able. Surely this, which is all that is generally necessary, may be 
done without any skill in medicine. 

We have been the more full on this subject because the benefits 
of inoculation cannot be extended to society by any other means 
than making the practice general. While it is confined to a few, it 
must prove hurtful to the whole. By means of it the contagion is 
spread, and is communicaled to many who might otherwise never 
have had the disease. Accordingly it is found that nearly the same 
number die of the Small-pox now as before inoculation was introdu¬ 
ced ; and this important discovery, by which alone more lives might 
be saved than by all the endeavours of the Faculty, is in a great 
measure lost by its benefits not being extended to the whole com¬ 
munity*. 

The spring and autumn have been usually reckoned the most pro¬ 
per seasons for inoculation, on account of the weather being then 
most temperate ; but it ought to be considered that these are gene¬ 
rally the most unhealthy seasons of the whole year. Undoubtedly 
theTest preparation for the disease is a previous good state of health. 
I have always observed that children in particular are more sickly 
towards the end of spring arid autumn, than at any other time of the 
year. On this account, as well as for the advantage of cool air, I 
would propose winter as the most, proper season for inoculation; 
though, on every other consideration, the spring would seem to be 
preferable. 

* By a well-laid plan for extending inoculation, more lives might be faved 
it a fmall expence, than are at prefent preferved by ah the hospitals in Eng¬ 
land, which coll the public l’uch an amazing film. 

X Til* 




140 


G l< T H E MEASL E S. 


The most proper age for inoculation is between three and rive* 
Many approve of inoculating on the breast, and where no circum* 
stances forbid this practice, 1 have no objection to it. Children, 
however, are more liable to convulsions at this time than afterwards ; 
besides, the anxietyof the mother or nurse, should the child be in 
danger, would not fail to heighten it by spoiling the milk. 

Children who have constitutional diseases, must nevertheless be 
inoculated. It will often mend the habit of body : but ought to be 
performed at a time when they are most healthy. Accidental dis¬ 
eases should always be removed before inoculation. 

It is generally thought necessary to regulate the diet for some 
time before the disease be communicated. In children, however, 
great alteration in diet is seldom necessary, their food being com¬ 
monly’ of the most simple and wholesome kind, as milk, water pap, 
weak broths, bread, light pudding, mild roots, and white meats. 

But children who have been accustomed to a richer diet, wh# 
are of a gross habit, or abound with bad humours, ought to be put 
upon a spare diet before they are inoculated Their food should be 
ol a light cooling nature, and their drink whey, butter-milk, and 
such like. 

We would recommend no other medicinal preparation but two 
or three mild purges, which ought to be suited to the age and 
strength of the patient. The success of inoculators does not depend 
on the preparation of their patients, but on their management of 
them while under the disease. Their constant care is to keep them 
cool, and their bodies gently open, by w hich means the fever is 
kept low, and the eruption greatly lessened. The danger is seldom 
great when the pustules are few ; and their number is generally in 
proportion to the fever which precedes and attends the eruption. 
Hence the chief secret of inoculation consists in regulating the e* 
ruptive fever, which generally may be kept sufficiently low by the 
methods mentioned above. 

The regimen during the disease is in all respects the same as under 
the natural-small-pox. The patient must be kept cool, his diet 
should be light, and his drink weak and diluting, &c. Should any 
bad symptoms appear, which is seldom the case, they must be treat¬ 
ed in the same way as directed in the natural-small-pox. Purging 
is not less necessary after the small-pox by inoculation than in tli# 
natural way, and ought by no means to be neglected. 


chap. XXIV. 

- K . W-'t 

OFT II E M E A S L E | 

T HF measles appeared in Europe about the same time with the 
small-pox, and have a great affinity to that disease. Thc-y 
both tame bom tne sitme cjuailer ot the world, are both infectious, 
and seldom attack the same person more than once. The measles 
art most common in the spring season, and generally disappear in 

summer. 



OF THE MEASLES. 141 

summer. The disease itself,,when properly managed, seldom proves 
fatal; but its consequences are often very troublesome. 

CAUSE.--This disease, like the. small-pox, proceeds from in¬ 

fection, and is more or less dangerous according to the constitution 
of the patient, the season of the year, the climate, &c. 

SYMPTOMS.-The measles, like other fevers, are preceded 

by alternate fits of heat and cold, with sickness and loss of appetite. 
The tongue is white, but generally moist. There is a short cough, 
heaviness of the head and eyes, drowsiness, and a running at the 
nose. Sometimes indeed the cough does not come before the 
eruption has appeared. There is an inflammation and heat in the 
eyes, accompanied with a defluxion of sharp rheum,and great acute¬ 
ness of sensation, so that they cannot bear the light without pain. 
The eye-iids frequently swell so as to occasion blindness. The 
patient generally complains of his throat; and a vomiting or loose¬ 
ness often precedes the eruption. The stools in children are com¬ 
monly greenish ; they complain of an itching of the skin, and are 
remarkably peevish. Breeding at the nose is common, both before 
and in the progress of the disease. 

About the fourth day, small spots,, resembling flea-bites, appear, 
first upon the face; then upon the breast, and afterwards on tiie 
extremities : these may be distinguished from the small-pox by their 
scarcely rising above the skin. The fever, cough, and difficulty of 
breathing, instead of being removed by the eruption as in the small¬ 
pox, are rather increased; but the vomiting generally ceases. 

About the sixth or seventh day from the time of sickening, the 
measles begin to turn pale on the face, and afterwards upon the 
body; so that by. the ninth day they entirely disappear. The fever, 
however, and. difficulty of breathing, often continue, especially if 
the patient has been- kept upon too hot a regimen. Petechia?, or 
purple spots, may likewise be occasioned by this error. 

A violent looseness sometimes succeeds the measles ; . in which 
case the patient's life is in imminent danger. 

Stich as die of the measles,. generally expire about the ninth day 
from the invasion, and are commonly carried off by a peripneu- 
mpny, or inflammation of the lungs.. 

The most favourable symptoms are a moderate loosenees, a moist 
skin, and a plentiful discharge of urine. 

When the eruption suddenly falls in, and live patient is seized with 
a delirium, he is in the greatest danger. If the measles turn too 
soon of a pale colour, it is an unfavourable symptom,.as are also 
great weakness, vomiting, restlessness, and difficulty of swallow ing. 
Purple or black spots appearing among the measles are very un¬ 
favourable. When a continual cough,, with hoarseness, succeeds 
the disease, there is reason to suspect an approaching consumption 
of the lungs. 

Our b usiness in.this disease is to assist nature, by proper cordials, 
in throwing out the eruption, if her efforts be too languid ; but 
when they are too violent they must be restrained by evacuations, 
and cool diluting liquors, &c.. We ought likewise to endeavour 
to appease the most urgent symptoms, as the cough, restlessness, 
and difficulty of breathing. REGIMEN. 






14‘3 


OFT H E MEASLE % 


REGIMEN.--The cool regimen is necessary here as weMma 

in the small-pox. The food, too must be light, and the drink dibit-, 
ing. Acids, however, do not answer no well in the measles as in 
the small-pox, as they tend to exasperate the cough. Small beer, 
likewise, though a good drink in the small-pox, is here, improper. 
The most suitable liquors are decoctions of liquorice with, marsh¬ 
mallow roots ai\d sarsaparilla, infusions of linseed, or of the flowers 
of elder, balm tea, clarified whey, barley water, and such like, 
These, if the patient he costive, may be sweetened with honey 
or, if that should disagree with the stomach, a little manna uray oc¬ 
casionally be added to them. 

MEDICINE.-The. measles being an inflammatory disease, 

without any critical discharge of matter, as in the small-pox, 
bleeding is commonly necessary, especially when the fever runs 
high, with difficulty of breathing, and great oppression of the. 
hi east. But if thy disease he of a. mild kind, bleeding, may be 
omitted*. 

Bathing the feet and Rgs frequently in lukewarm water, both 
tends to abate the, violence of the fever, and to promote the erup¬ 
tion. 

Tim patient is often greatly relieved by vomiting. When there 
is a tendency this way, it ought to bp promoted by drinking luke¬ 
warm water, or weak cainmoinile tea. 

When the cough is very troublesome, with dryness of tire throat, 
and difficulty of breathing, the patient may hold his head over the. 
steam of warm water, and draw the steam into his lungs. 

He may likewise lick a little, spermaceti and sugar candy pounded 
together; or take now and then a spoonful! of the oil of sweqf 
almonds, with sugar candy dissolved in it. These will soften the 
throat, and relieve the tickling cough. 

If at the turn of the disease the fever assumes new vigour, and 
there appears great danger of suffocation, the patient must be bled 
according to his strength, and blistering plasters applied, with a 
view to prevent the load from being thrown on the lungs, where if 
an inflammation should fix itself, the patient's life will be in immi¬ 
nent danger. 

In case the measles should suddenly disappear, it will be neces¬ 
sary to pursue the same method which we have recommended when 
the small-pox recede. The patient must be supported with wine 
and cordials. Blistering plasters must be applied to the. legs and 
arms, and the body rubbed all over with warm flannels. Warm 
poultices may likewise be. applied to the feet and palms of the 
hands. 

When purple or black spots appear, the patient's drink should be. 
sharpened with spirits of vitriol ; and if ihe putrid symptoms in¬ 
crease, the Peruvian bark must be administered in the same man¬ 
ner as directed in the small-pox. 

* I do not know any difeafe wherein bleeding is more r.eccffarv than ia 
the mcafles, ef( eciaiiy when the fever rufis high: in this cate I have always 
found it relieve the patient. 

Opiates 




OF T1IE SCARLET FEVER. 



Opiates are sometimes necessary, but should never be given except 

cases of extreme restlessness, a violent .looseness, or when the 
tough is very troublesome. For children, the syrup of poppies is. 
sufficient. A tea-spoonful or two may be occasionally given ac~, 
cording to the patient's age, or the violence of the symptoms. 

After the measles are gone off, the patient ought to purged. 
This may be conducted in the same manner as directed in. the small¬ 
pox. 

It a violent looseness succeeds the measles, it may be cheeked 
by taking for some days a gentle dose of rhubarb in the morning, 
and an opiate over night; but if these do not remove it, bleeding 
will seldom fail to have that effect. 

Patients recovering after the measles should be careful what they 
eat or drink. Their food for some time ought to be light, and in 
small quantities, and their drink diluting, and rather of an opening 
nature, as butter-milk, whey, and such like. They ought also to 
beware of exposing themselves too soon to the cold air, least a suf¬ 
focating catarrh, an asthma, or a consumption of the lungs, should 
ensue. 

Should a cough, with difficulty of breathing, and other symptoms 
of a consumption, remain after the ineaJcs, small quantities of' 
blood may be frequently let at proper intervals, as tiie patient's 
strength and constitution will permit. * He ought likewise to drink 
asses-milk, to remove to a free air, if in a large town, and to ride 
daily on horseback. Fie must keep close to a diet consisting of 
milk and vegetables ; and lastly, if these do not succeed, let him 
remove to a warmer climate*. 

OF THE SCARI.ET FEVER. 

THE scarlet fever is so called from the colour of the patient’s 
skin, which appears as if it were tinged with red wine. It 
happens at any season of the year, but is most common towards the 
^nd of summer ; at which time it often seizes whole families; chil¬ 
dren and young persons are most subject to it. 

It begins like other fevers, with coldness and shivering, without 

* Attempts have been made to communicate the meafles, as well as the 
fmali-pox, by inoculation, and we make no doubt but in time the practice 
may lucceed. Dr. Home of Edinburgh, fays, lie communicated the difeafe 
by the blood. Others have tried this method, and have not found it fuc- 
ceed. Some think the difeafe would be more certainly communicated by rub¬ 
bing the {kin of a patient who has the mealies with cotton, and afterwards 
applying the cotton to a wound as in the fmall-pox ; while others recommend 
a bit of flannel which had been applied to the patient’s {kin, all the time of 
the difeafe, to be afterwards laid upon the arm or leg of the perfon to whom 
the infection is to be communicated. There is no doubt but this difeafe, as 
well as the fmall-pox, may be communicated various ways; the moll proba¬ 
ble, however, is either from cotton rubbed upon the {kin, as mentioned above, 
or by introducing a little of the fharp humour which diitils from the eyes of 
the patient into the blood. It is agreed on all hands, that fuch patients as 
have been inoculated, had the diicafe ve-ry mildly; we therefore wifh the 
.^ra&ice were more general, as the meafles have of late become v<yry fatal. 

any 




4. 1 I*' 


v/x niL DlMUb'5 rik V JLK. 


any violent sickness. Afterwards the skin is covered with red spots*, 
which are broader, more florid, and less uniform than the measles. 
They continue two or three days, and then disappear $ after which 
the cuticle, or scarf-skin, falls off. 

There is seldom any occasion for medicine in this disease. The 
patient ought however to keep within doors, to abstain from flesh, 
strong liquors, and cordials, and to drink freely of cool diluting li¬ 
quors. If the fever runs high, the body must be kept gently open 
by emollient clysters, or small doses of nitre and rhubarb. A scru¬ 
ple of the former, with five grains of the latter, may be taken thrice 
a day, or oftener, if necessary. 

Children and young persons are sometimes seized at the beginning 
of this disease with a kind of stupor and epileptic fits. In this 
case the feet and legs should be bathed m warm water, a large blis¬ 
tering plaster applied to the neck, and a do>e of the syrup of pop¬ 
pies given every night till the patient recovers*. 

TiAt scarlet fever however is not always of so mild a nature. If 
is sometimes attended with putrid or malignant symptoms, in which, 
case it is always.dangerous. In the malignant scarlet fever the pa¬ 
tient is not only affected with coldness and shivering, but with lan¬ 
guor, sickness, and great oppression ; to these succeed excessive- 
heat, nausea, and vomiting, with a soreness of the throat; the pulse 
is extremely quick, but small and depressed ; the breathing frequent 
and laborious ; the skin hot, out not quite dry; the tongue moist,, 
and covered with a whitish mucus; the tonsils inflamed and ulcera¬ 
ted. When the eruption appears, it brings no relief: on ; the con¬ 
trary, the symptoms generally grow worse, and fresh ones come on, 
as purging, delirium, &c. 

When this disease is mistaken for a simple inflammation, and, 
treated with repeated bleedings, purging and cooling medicines, it 
generally proves fatal. The only medicines that can be depended 
on in this case, are cordials and antiseptics, as the Peruvian bark,_ 
wine, snake-root, and the like. The treatment must be in general, 
similar to that of the putrid fever, or of the malignant ulcerous sore- 
throat f. 

OF THE BILIOUS FEVER. 

WHEN a continual, remitting, or intermitting fever is accompa¬ 
nied with a frequent or copious evacuation of bile, either bv vomit or 
stool, the fever is denominated bilious. In Britain the bilious fever 
generally makes its appearance about the end of summer, and ceas¬ 
es towards the approach of winter., It is most frequent and fatal in 

* Sydenham. 

t In the year 1774, during winter, a very bad fpecies of this feverprevail- 
ed in Edinburgh. It raged chiefly among yctmg people. The eruption was 
generally accompanied with a quiniev, and the inflammatory fvmptoms were 
lo blended with others of a putrid nature, as to render the treatment of the 
difeale very difficult. Many of the patients, towards the feline of the fever, 
were afflicted with large fweliings of the fubmaxillary glands,, and not a few 
had a fuppuration in one or both ears. 


warm 


of the bilious fever. 


145 


'TVctrrr countries^ especially where the soil is marshy, and when great 
rains are succeeded by sultry heats. Persons who work without 
doors He in camps, or who are exposed to the night air, are most 
liable to this kind of fever. 

If there are symptoms of inflammation at the beginning of this 
fever, it will be necessary to bleed, and to put the patient upon the 
cool diluting regimen recommended in the inflammatory fever.— 
The saline draught may likewise be frequently administered, and the 
patient’s body kept open by clysters or mild purgative^. But it the 
fever should remit or intermit, bleeding will seldom be necessary. 
In this case a vomit may be administered, and, if the body be bound 
a gentle purge ; after which the Peruvian bark will generally com¬ 
plete the cure. 

Jn case of a violent looseness, the patient must be supported with 
chicken broths, jellies of hartshorn, and the like ; and he may use 
the while decoction for his ordinary drink*. If a bloody flux should 
-accompany this fever, it must be treated in the manner recommend- 
sd^under the article Dysentery. 

"When there is a burning heat, and the patient does not sweat, 
that evacuation may be promoted by giving him, three or four times 
a-day, a table-spoonful of Mindeferus’s spiritf, mixed in a cup of 
his ordinary drink. 

If the bilious fever be attended with the nervous, malignant, or 
putrid symptoms, which is sometimes the case, the patient must be 
treated in the same manner as directed under these diseases. 

After this fever, proper care is necessary to prevent a relapse. 
For this purpose the patient, especially towards the end of autumn, 
ought to continue the use of the Peruvian bark for some time after 
he is well. He should likewise abstain from all trashy fruits, nevsf 
liquors, and every kind of flatulent aliment. 


chap. xxv. 

OF THE ERYSIPELAS, or St. ANTHO¬ 
NY’S FIRE. 

T HIS disease, which in some parts of Britain is call the rose, at¬ 
tacks persons at any period of life, but is most common be¬ 
tween the age of thirty and forty. Persons of a sanguine or pletho¬ 
ric habit are most liable to it. It often attacks young people, and 
pregnant women ; and such as have once been afflicted with it are 
very liable to have it again. Sometimes it is a primary disease, and 
at other times only a symptom of some other malady. Every part 
4>t the body is liable to be attacked by an erysipelas, but it most Ire- 
^uentlvqseizes the legs or face, especially the latter. It is most com¬ 
mon in autumn, or when hot weather is succeeded by cold and wet* 

* See Appendix, White Decoction'. 

+ Sec Appendix, Spirit of Mindererus. 

CAUSES, 





146 


OF THE ERYSIPELAS, 

CAUSES.—-The erysipelas may be occasioned by violent pas¬ 

sions or affections of the mind ; as fear, anger, &o. When the bo¬ 
dy has been heated to a great degree, and is immediately exposed 
to the cold air, so that the perspiration is suddenly checked) an ery¬ 
sipelas will often ensue.* It may also be occasioned by drinking 
to excess, by continuing too long in a warm bath, or by any thing 
that overheats the blood. If any of the natural evacuations be ob¬ 
structed, or in loo small quantity, it may cause an erysipelas. The 
same effect will follow from the stoppage of artificial evacuations ; 
as issues, setons, or the like. 

SYMPTOMS.-The erysipelas attacks with shivering, thirst, 

loss of strength, pain in the head and back, heat, restlessness, and a 
quick pulse ; to which maybe added vomiting, and sometimes a 
delirium. On the second, third, or fourth day, the part swells, be¬ 
comes red, and small pustules appear ; at which time the fever ge¬ 
neral ly abates. 

When the erysipelas seizes the foot, the parts contiguous swell) 
the skin shines; and, if the pain be violent, it will ascend to the 
leg, and will not bear to be touched. 

When it attacks the face, it swells, appears red, and the skin is 
covered with small pustules filled with clear water. One or both 
eyes are generally closed with the swelling; and there is a difficulty 
of breathing. If the mouth and nostrils be very dry, and the pati¬ 
ent drowsy, there is reason to suspect an inflammation of the brain. 

If the erysipelas affects the breast, it swmils and becomes exceed¬ 
ingly hard, with great pain, and is apt to suppurate. There is a vio¬ 
lent. pain in the arm-pit on (he side affected* where an abscess is of¬ 
ten formed. 

If in a day or two the swelling subsides, the heat and pain abate; 
the colour of the part turns yellow, and the cuticle breaks and falls 
off’in scales, the danger is over. 

When the erysipelas is large, deep, and affects a very sensible 
part of the body, the danger is great. If the red colour change* 
into a livid or black, it will end in a mortification. Sometimes the 
inflammation cannot be discussed, but comes to a suppuration) in 
which case fistulas, a gangrene, or mortification, often ensue. 

Such as die of this disease are commonly carried off by the fever, 
which is attended with difficulty of breathing, and sometimes with a 
delirium and great drowsiness. They generally die about the se¬ 
venth or eighth day. 

REGIMEN.-In the erysipelas the patient must neither be 

kept too hot nor loo cold, as either of these extremes will tend to 
make it retreat, which is always to be guarded against. When ‘the 
disease is mild, it will be sufficient to keep the patient within doors; 

* The country people in many parts of Britain call this difeafe a Blast; 
and ir.a e it proceeds from foul air, or ili wind, as they term it. The 
truth is, they open lie down to reft them, when warm and fatigued, upon 
the damp ground, where they fall alleep, and tie fo long as to catch cold, 
wh ch cecations the eryfipelas. This difeaiemay indeed proceed from other 
caufes, but we may venture to lay, that nine times out of ten it is occafioned 
by cold caught after the body has been greatly heated- or fatigned. 

without 





or St. ANTHONY’S FIRE 


147 


without condniug him to his bed, and to promote the perspiration by 
diluting liquors, <kc. 

The diet ought to he slender, and of a moderately cooling and 
moistening quality, as groat-gruel, panado, chicken or barley broth, 
with cooling herbs and fruits, eke. avoiding flesh, fish, strong drink 
spices, pickles, and all other things that may heat and inflame th<* 
blood ; the dri^ik may be barley-water, an infusion of elder-flowers 
common whey., and such like. 

But if the pulse below, and the spirits sunk, the patient must be 
supported with negus,, and other things of a cordial nature. His 
food may be sago gruel with a little,wine and nourishing broths ta¬ 
ken in small quantities, and often repeated. Great care however 
must be taken not to overheat him. 

ME DIC IN Jib-In this disease much mischief is often done by 

.medicine, especially by external applications. People, when they 
see an inflammation, immediately think that something ought to be 
applied to it. This indeed is necessary in large phlegmons ; but in 
an erysipelas the safer course is to apply nothing. Almost all oint¬ 
ments, salves, and plasters, being of a greasy nature, tend rather 
to obstruct and repel, than promote any discharge front the part. 
At the beginning of this disease it is neither safe to promote a suppu* 
ration, nor to repel the matter too quickly. The erysipelas in many 
respects resembles the gout, and is to be treated with lire greatest 
caution. Fine wool, or very soft flannel, are the safest applications 
to the part. These .not only defend it from the extei nal air, but 
likewise promote the perspiration, which has a great tendency to 
carry off the disease. In Scotland the common people generally ap¬ 
ply a mealy cloth to the parts affected, which is far from being im¬ 
proper. 

It is common to bleed in the erysipelas; but this likewise requires 
-caution- if however the fever be high, the pulse hard and strong', 
and the patient vigorous, it will be proper to bleed ; but the quanti¬ 
ty must be regulated by these circumstances, and the operation re¬ 
peated as the s.ympoms may require, if the patient has been accus¬ 
tomed to strong liquors, and the disease attacks his head, bleeding is 
absolutely necessary. 

Bathing the feet and legs frequently in lukewarm wafer, when 
the disease attacks the face or brain, has an excellent effect. Il 
tends to make a derivation from the head, and seldom fails to relieve 
the patient. When bathing proves ineffectual, poultices, or .sharp 
sinapisms, may be applied to the soles of the feet, for the same pur¬ 
pose. 

j; In cases where bleeding is requisite, it is likewise necessary to keep 
the body open. This may be effected by emollient clysters, or small 
doses of nitre and rhubarb. Some indeed recommend very large 
doses of nitre in the erysipelas; but nitre seldom sits easy on the 
stomach when taken in large doses. It is however one of’liie best me¬ 
dicines when the fever and inflammation run high. Half a drachm 
of it, with four or five grains of rhubarb, may be taken in the pa¬ 
tient’s ordinary drink, four times a-day. 


yr 

Jl 


When 



J, ‘to 


KJ 1' i u h r 11 k & iM l i a, or 


When the erysipelas leaves the extremities, and seizes tne head sro 
as to occasion a delirium or stupor, itis absolutely necessary to open 
the body. If clysters and mild purgatives fail to have this efleet,, 
stronger ones mmjlt be given. Blistering-plasters must likewise be 
applied to tlie neck, or behind the ears, and sharp cataplasms laid to 
the soles of the feet. 

When the inflammation cannot be discussed, and the*part has a 
tendency to ulcerate, it will then be proper to promote suppuration, 
which may be done by the application of .ripening poultices with 
saffron, warm fomentations, and such like. 

When the black, livid, or blue colour of the part shews a tenden¬ 
cy to mortification, ihe Peruvian bark must be administered. It 
may be taken..along with acids, as recommended in the small-pox, or 
in any other form more agreeable to the patient. It must not how¬ 
ever be trilled with, as the patient’s life isat stake. A drachm may 
be given every two hours, if the symptoms be threatening, and cloths 
dipped in warm camphorated spirits of wine, or the tincture of myrrh 
and aloes, may be applied to the part, and frequently renewed. 
It may likewise be proper in this case to apply poultices of the 
bark, or to foment the part affected with a strong decoction of if. 

In what is commonly called the scorbutic erysipelas-, which continues 
for a considerable time, it will only be necessary to give gentle lax¬ 
atives, and such things as purify tne blood and promote the perspi¬ 
ration. Thus, after the inflammation has been checked by opening 
medicines, the decoction of woods* may be drank, aft eg which a 
course of bitters will be proper. 

Such as are liable to frequent attacks of the erysipelas ought 
carefully to guard against all violent passions, to abstain from strong 
liquors, and all fat, viscid, and highly nourishing food. They should 
likewise take sufficient exercise, carefuly avoiding the extremes of 
heat or cold Their food should consist chiefly of milk, and such 
fruits, herbs, and roots, as are of a cooling quality; and their drink 

ought to be fmall beer, whey, butter-milk, and such like.- 

They should never suffer themselves to ‘br long costive. If that 
cannot be prevented bv suitable diet, it will be proper to take fre¬ 
quently a gentle dose of rhubarb,cream of tartar, the lenitive elec¬ 
tuary, or some other mild purgative. 

CHAP. XXVI. 

OF THE PH REX IT IS, or INFLAMMATION 

OF THE BRAIN. 

T | MIIS is sometimes a primary disease, but oftener only a symptom 

JL of some other malady; as the inflammatory,, eruptive, or spot¬ 
ted fever, &x\ It is very common, however, as a primary disease in 
warm climates, ard is. most incident to persons about the prime or 

* S *e Appendix, Decoction of Woobs. 

vigour 





149 


INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN 


xrigoar of life.- The passionate,- the studious, and those whose ner¬ 
vous system is irritable in a high degree* are most liable to it. 

CAUSES-—‘-This disease is often occasioned by night watching, 
especially when joined with hard study: it may likewise proceed 
from hard drinking, anger, grief, or anxiety, k is.often occasion¬ 
ed by the stoppage of usual evacuations; as the bleeding piles in 
men, the customary discharges of women, S:c. S.uch as imprudently 
expose themselves to the heat of the sun, especially by sleeping 
without doors, in a hot season, with their heads uncovered, are 
often suddenly seized with an inflammation of the brain, so as to 
awake quite delirious, When repellents are imprudently used in an 
erysipelas, an inflammation of the brain is sometimes the conse¬ 
quence. It may likewise be occasioned by external injuries, as 
blows or bruises upon the head, &c. 

SYMPTOMS.—-—The symptoms which usually precede a true 
inflammation of the brain, are pain of the head, redness of the eyes, 
a violent flushing of the face, disturbed sleep, or a total want of it, 
great dryness of the skin, costiveness, a retention of urine, a small 
dropping of blood from the nose,- singing of the ears, and extreme 
sensibility of the nervous system* 

When the inflammation is formed, the symptoms iu general are 
similar to those of the inflammatory fever. The pulse indeed is of¬ 
ten weak, irregular, and trembling ; but sometimes it is hard and 
contracted. When the brain itself is inflamed, the pulse is always 
soft and low ; but when the inflammation - only affects the integu¬ 
ments of the brain, viz. the dura and pia matter, it is hard. A re¬ 
markable quickness of hearing is a common symptom of this disease, 
but that scldonf continues long. Another usual symptom is a great 
throbbing or pulsation in the arteries of the neck and temples.— 
Though the tongue is often black and dry, yet the patient seldom 
complains of thirst, and even refuses drink. The mind chiefly runs 
upon such objects as have before made a deep impression on it; and 
sometimes from a sullen silence, the patient becomes all of a sudden 
quite outrageous,. 

A constant trembling and starting of the tendons is an unfavoura¬ 
ble symptom, as are also a suppression of urine ; a total want ot 
sleep ; a constant spitting; a grinding of tke teeth ; which last may 
be-considered as a kind of convulsion. When a phrenit is succeeds 
aii inflammation of the lungs, of the intestines, or of the throat, &c. 
it is owing to a translation of the disease from these parts to the 
braiin, and generally poves fatal. This shews the necessity of pro¬ 
per evacuations, and the danger of repellents in all inflammatory 
diseases* 

The favourable symptoms are, a free perspiration, a copious dis¬ 
charge of blood from the nose, the bleeding piles, a plentiful dis¬ 
charge of urine, which lets fall a copious sediment. Sometimes the 
disease is carried off by a loosenes, and in women by an excessive 
flow of the menses. 

As this disease often proves fatal in a few days, it requires the 
most speedy applications. When it is prolonged, or improperly 
treated, it sometimes ends in madness, or a kind of stupidity which 
continues for life. In 





150 


OF The PIIRENITIS, &c. 


Tsi the cure, two things are chiefly to Be attended to, viz. to les¬ 
sen the quantity of blood in the brain, and td retard the circulation 
towards the head. 

REGIMEN.——fh patient ought to be kept very quiet. Com¬ 
pany, noise, and every tiling that a fleets the senses, or disturbs the 
imagination, increases the disease. Even too much light is hurtful; 
for which reason the patient’s chamber otvght to be a little darkened, 
and he should neither be kept too hot nor cold. It is not however, 
necessary to exclude the company of an agreeable friend, as this has 
a tendency to sooth and quiet the mind. Neitimr ought the patient 
to he kept too much in the dark, lest it should occasion a gloomy 
melancholy, Which is too often the consequence of this disease. 

The patient must, as far as possible, be' soothed and humoured 
in every thing. Contradiction will raffle his mind, dnd increase his 
malady. Even when he calls for things which are not to be obtain¬ 
ed, or which might prove hurtful, he is not to be podtive'y domed 
them, but rather put oif With the promise of having them as soon as 
they can be obtained, or by some Other excuse. A little of any 
thing that the mind is set upon, though not quite proper, will hurt 
the patient less than a positive refusal. In a "Word,' whatever he 
was fond of, or used to be delighted with, when in fre&bb, may 
here be tried; as pleasing stories, soft mu-dm or whatever has a 
tendency to sooth the passions and compose the mind. Boerhaavc 
propo-es several mechanical experiments for this purpose; as the' 
soft noise of water distilling by drops iiito a bason, and the patient 
trying to reckon them, 8cc. Any uniform sound, if low and continu¬ 
ed, lias a tendency to procure sleep, and consequently may be of 
service. 

The aliment ought f<V be light, consisting chiefly of farinaceous 
substances ; as panado, and water gruel, sharpened with jelly of 
currants, or juice of lemons,; ripe fruits roasted or boiled, jellies, 
preserves. Sic. The drink small, diluting, and cooling; as whey, 
barley-water, or decoctions of barley and tamarinds, which latter 
not onlv render the liquor more palatable, but likewise more bene¬ 
ficial, as they are of an opening nature. 

MEDICINE.-—-In an inflammation of the brain, nothing more 
certainly relieves the patient than a free discharge of blood from the 
nose. When this comes of its own accord, it is by no means to be 
stopped, but rather promoted, by applying cloths dipped in warm 
water to (he part. When bleeding at the nose does not happen 
spontaneously, it may be provoked, by putting a straw or any other 
sharp body up the nostril. 

Bleeding in the temporal arteries greatly relieves the head : but 
as this operation cannot always be performed, We would recommend 
in its stead, bleeding in the" jugular veins. When the patient’s 
pulse and spirits are so low’ that he cannot bear bleeding with the 
lancet, leeches may be applied to the temples. These nofonly draw 
off the blood more gradually, but by being applied nearer to the 
part affected, generally give more immediate relief. 

A discharge of blood from the haunorrhoidal veins is likewise of 
great service, and ought by all means to be promoted. If the pa¬ 
tient 



151 


OF THE OPHTHALMIA, &c. 

Lent has been subject to the bleeding piles, and that discharge has 
been stopped, every method must be tried to restore it; as the ap¬ 
plication of leeches to the parts, sitting over the steams of warm 
water, sharp clysters, or suppositories made of honey, aloes, and 
rock-salt. 

If the inflammation of the brain be occasioned by the stoppage of 
evacuations eitfter natural or artificial, as the menses, issues, setons, 
or such like, all means must lie used to restore them as soon as pos¬ 
sible, or to substitute others in their stead.- 

Tiie patient’s body must be kept ppen by stimulating clysters or 
smart purges: and small quantities of nitre ought frequently to be 
mixed with his drink. Two or three drachms, or more, if the case 
be dangerous, mav be used in the space of twenty-four hours. 

The head should be shaved and frequently rubbed with vinegar 
and rose-water. Cloths dipped in this mixture may likewise be ap¬ 
plied to the temples. Tire feet ought frequently to be bathed in 
lukewarm water, and soft poultices of bread and milk may be kept 
constantly applied to them. 

If the disease proves obstinate, and does not yield to these medi¬ 
cines, it will be necessary to apply a blistering-plaster to the whole 
head. 


C H A P. XXVII. 


OF THE OPHTHALMIA, or INFLAMMATION 

OF THE EYES. 

T HIS disease may be occasioned by external injuries ; as blows, 
burns, bruises, and the like. It may likewise proceed from dust, 
quick-lime, or other substances, getting into the eves It is often 
caused bv the stoppage of customary evacuations ; as the healing of 
old sores, drying up of issues, the suppressing of gentle morning 
sweats, or of the sweating of the feet, &c. Long exposure to the 
night air, especially in cold northerly winds, or whatever suddenly 
checks the perspiration, especially after the body has been much 
heated, is very apt to cause an inflammation of the eyes. Viewing 
snow or other white bodies for a long time, or looking stedfastlvat the 
sun, a clear fire, or any bright object, will likewise occas^pn this 
malady. A sudden transition from darkness to very bright light 
will often have the same effect 

Nothing more certainly occasions an inflammation of the eyes than 
night-watching, especially reading or writing by candle-light. Drink¬ 
ing spiritous liquors, and excess of venery are likewise verv hurtful to 5 ' 
the eyes. The acrid fumes of metals, and of several kinds of tuel, 
are also pernicious. Sometimes an inflammation of the eyes proceed 
from a venereal taint, and often from a scrophulous or gouty habit. 
It may likewise be occasioned by hairs in the eylids turning in¬ 
wards, and hurting the eyes. Sometimes the disease is epidemic, 
especially after wet seasons ; and I have frequently known it prove 

infectious. 





152 


OF THE OPHTHALMIA, or 

infectious, particularly to those who lived in the same house with, 
the patient, it may be occsioned by moist air, or living in low 
damp houses, especially in persons who are not accustomed to such 
situations. In children it often proceeds from imprudently drying 
vp of scabbed heads, a running behind the ears, or any other dis¬ 
charge of that kind. Inflammations of the" eyes often succeed 
ihe small-pox or measles, especially in children of a scrophulous - 
habit. 

SYMPTOMS.-^-An inflammation of the eyes is attended with 

acute pain, heat, rtdness, and swelling. The patient is not able t© 
bear the light, and sometimes he feels a pricking pain, as if his eyes 
were pierced with a thorn. Sometimes he imagines his eyes are full 
of motes, or thinks he sees flies dancing before him. The eyes are 
filled with a scalding rheum, which rushes forth in great quantities, 
whenever the patient attempts to look up. The pulse is generally 
quick and hard, with some degree of fever. When the disease is 
violent, the neighbouring parts swell, and there is a throbbing or 
pulsation in the temporal arteries, &c. 

A slight inflammation of the eyes, especially from an external 
<®ause, is easily cured ; but when the disease is violent, and continues^ 
Jong, it often leaves specks upon the eyes, or dimness of sight, and 
sometimes total blindness.- 

If the patient be seized with a looseness, it has a good effect; and 
when the inflammation passes from one eye to another, as it were by 
infection, it is no unfavourable symptom. But when the disease is 
accompanied with a violent pain of the head, and continues long, 
the patient is in danger of losing his sight. 

REGIMEN.-The diet, unless in scrophulous cases, can hard¬ 

ly be too spare, especially at the beginning. The patient must ab¬ 
stain from every thing of a heating nature. His food should consist 
chiefly of mild vegetables, weak broths, and gruels. His. drink may 
be barley-water, balm-tea, common whey, and such like. 

The patient’s chamber must be darkened, or his eyes shaded by a 
cover so as to exclude the light, but not to press upon the eyes. He 
should not look at a candle, the fire or any luminous object; and 
ought to avoid all smoke, as the fumes of tobacco, or any thing that 
may cause coughing, sneezing, or vomiting. He should be kept: 
quiet, avoiding all violent efforts, either of body or mind, and encou-^ 
paging sleep as much as possible. 

MEDICINE.-This i$ one of those diseases wherein great 

Tart is often done by external apppliccftions. Almost every person 
pretends to be possessed of a remedy for the cure of sore eyes. 
These remedies generally consist of eye-waters and ointments, with 
other external applications, which do mischief twenty times for once 
* they do good. People ought tlsereforc to be very cautious how they 
use such things, as even the pressure upon the eyes often increase* 
the malady. 

Bleeding, in a violent inflammation of the eyes, is always neces¬ 
sary. This should be performed as near the part aftected as possible. 
An adult may lose ten or twelve ounces of blood from the jugular 
vein, and the operation may be repeated according to the urgency of 

the 












INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 


1.53 


a* he symptoms. If it should not be convenient to bleed in the neck, 
the same quantity may be let from the arm, or any other part of the 
body. 

Leeches are often applied to the temples, or under the eyes, with 
good effect. The wounds must be suffered to bleed for s«me hours, 
and if the bleeding stop soon, it may be promoted by the application 
of cloths dipt in warm water. In obstinate cases, it will be necessary 
to repeat this operation several times. 

Opening and diluting medicines are by ino means to be neglected. 
The patient may take a small dose of Glauber’s salts, and cream of 
tartar, every second or third day, or a decoction of tamarinds with 
senna. If these be not agraeahle, gentle do-esof rhubarb and nitre, 
a little of the lenitive electuary, or any other mild purgative, will 
answer the same end. The patient at the same time must drink 
freely of water-gruel, tea, whey, or any other weak diluting liquor. 
He ought likewise to take, at bed-time, a large draught of very weak 
wine-whey, in order to promote perspiration. His feet and legs 
must frequently be bathed in lukewarm water, and his head shaved 
twicv or thrice a*week, and afterwards w'ashed in cold water. This 
has often a remarkable good effect. 

If the inflammation does not yield to these evacuations, blistering- 
plasters must be applied to the temples, behind the ears, or upon the- 
neck, and kept open for some time by the mild blistering-oint¬ 
ment. I have seldom known these, if long enough kept open, fail 
to remove the most obstinate inflammation of the eyes; but for this 
purpose it is often necessary to continue the discharge for several 
weeks. 

When the disease has been of long standing, I have seen verv ex¬ 
traordinary effects from a seton in the neck, or between the should¬ 
ers, especially the latter. It should be put upwards and down¬ 
wards, or in the direction of the spine, and in the middle between 
the shoulder-blades. It may be dressed twice a day with yellow 
basilicon. I have known patients, who had been blind for a- con¬ 
siderable time, recover sight by means of a seton placed as above. 
When the seton is put across the neck, it soon wears out, and is 
both more painful and troublesome than between the shoulders ; 
besides, it leaves a disagreeable mark, and does not discharge so 
freely. 

When the heat and pain of the eyes are very great, a poultice of 
bread and mik, softened with sweet oil or fresh butter, may be ap¬ 
plied to them, at least all night; and they may be bathed with luke¬ 
warm milk and water in the morning. 

If the patient cannot sleep, which is sometimes the case, he may 
take tw enty or thirty drops of laudanum, or two spoonfuls of the 
syrup of poppies, over night, more or loss according to his age, or 
the violence of the symptoms. 

After the inflammation is gone off, if the eyes still remain weak 
and tender, they may be bathed every night and morning with cold 
water anda little brandy, six parts of the former to one of the latter. 
A method should be contrived by which the eye can be quite im¬ 
mersed in the brandy and wpler, where it should be kept for some 

time. 




1 54 ' 


OF THE QUINSEY, or 


lime. I have genera’j found this, or cold water and vinegar, as 
good a sUengihener of the eyes as any of the most celebrated colly- 


nums. 


When an inflammation of the eyes proceeds from a scrophulous 
habit, it generally proves very obstinate. In this case the patient’s 
diet must not be too low, and he may be allowed to drink small ne¬ 
gus, or now ami then a glass of wine. The most p oper medicine is 
the Peruvian hark, which may either be given in substance, or pre¬ 
pared in the following manner : 

Take an ounce of the bark in powder, with two drachms of Win¬ 
ter's hark, and boil them in an English quart of water to a pint; when 
it has boiled nearly long enough, add half an ounce of liquorice-root 
sliced. Let the liquor be strained. Two, three, or four table-spoon¬ 
fuls, according to the age of the patient, may be taken three or four 
times a-day. It is impossible to say how' long this medicine should 
be continued, as the cure is sooner performed in some than in others ; 
but in general it requires a considerable time to produce any lasting 
effects. 

Dr. Cheync•■says, f That /Efhiops mineral never fails in obstinate 
inflammations of the eves, even scrophulous -ones, if given in a 
sufficient dose, and duly persisted inP There is no doubt but this 
and other preparations of mercury may be of singular service in 
ophthalmias of long continuance, hut they ought always to be admi¬ 
nistered with the greatest caution, or by persons of skill in physic. 

It will be proper fiequem ly to look into the e>es, to see if any 
hairs be turned inwards, or pressing upon them.* These ought to 
be removed by plucking them out with a pair of small pincers. 

Those who are liable to frequent returns of this disease, ought 
constantly to have an issue in one or both arms. Bleeding or purg¬ 
ing in the spring and autumn, will be very beneficial to such persons. 
They ought likewise to live with the greatest regularity, avoiding 
strong liquor, and every thing of a heating quality. .Above all let 
them avoid the night-air and late studies f. 


chap, xxvi i r. 


OF THE QUINSEY. or INFLAMMATION 

OF THE THROAT. 


T HIS disease is very common in Britain, and is frequently at¬ 
tended with great danger. It prevails in the winter and 

* Anv foreign body lodged in the eye may be expeditioully removed by paf- 
Thtg a Tamil hair pencil between the eye-lid. and the bail of the eye. In fome 
places, the peafants do this very effectually, by uling their tongue in the fame 

manner. 

t A* mod people are fond of tiling eye-waters and ointments in this and 
other diteafes of the eves, we have infer ted Tome of the molt approved 
forms of thefe medicines in the Appendix. See Appendix, Evk-water 
and Eve-salve. 


spring,! 











INFLAMMATION of the THROAT. 155 


Spring, and is most fatal to young people of a sanguine tempera* 
tnent. 

CAUSES. -—In general it proceeds from the same causes as 

other inflammatory disorders, viz. an obstructed perspiration, or 
whatever heats or inflames the blood. An inflammation of the 
throat is often occasioned by emitting some part of the cohering 
usually worn about the neck, by drinking cold liquor when the body 
is warm, by riding or walking against a cold northerly wind, or 
any thing that gieatly cools the throat, and pares adjacent. It may 
likewise proceed from the neglect <n bleeding, purging, or any cus¬ 
tomary evacuation. 

Singing, speaking loud and long, or whatever strains the throat, 
may likewise cause an inflammation of that organ. I have often 
known the quinsey prove fatal to jovial companions, who, after sit¬ 
ting long in a warm room, drinking hot liquors, and singing with 
Vehemence, were so imprudent as 10 go abroad in the cold nighl-air* 
Sitting with wet feet, or keeping on wet clothes, are very apt to 
occasion this malady. It is likewise frequently occasioned by con¬ 
tinuing long in a moist place, sitting near an open window, sleep¬ 
ing in a damp bed, sitting in a room that has been newly plastered, 
•See. I know people who never fail to have a sore throat, if 
they sit even but a short time in a room that lias been lately 
Washed. 

Acrid or irritating food may likewise inflame the throat, and occa¬ 
sion a quinsey. It may also proceed from bones, pins, or other 
sharp substances sticking in the throat, or from the caustic fumes ot 
metals or minerals, as arsenic, antimony, &c. taken in by the 
breath. This disease is sometimes epidemic and infectious* 

SYMPTOMS.-“The inflammation of the throat is evident from 


inspection, the parts appearing red and swelled ; besides, the pati¬ 
ent complains of pain in swallowing. His pulse is quick and hard, 
with other symptoms of a fever If blood be let, it is generally co¬ 
vered with a tough coat of a whitish colour, and the patient spits a 
tough phlegm. As the swelling and inflammation increase, the 
breathing unci swallowing become more difficult; the pain affects 
the ears ; the eyes generally appear red; and the face swells. The 
patient-is often obliged to keep himself in an erect posture, be¬ 
ing in danger of suffocation ; there is a constant nausea, or inclina¬ 
tion to vomit, and the diink, instead of passing into the stomach, is 
often returned by the nose. The patient is sometimes starved at 
last, merely from an inability to swallow any kind of food. 

When the breathing is laborious, with stiaitness of the breast, and 
anxiety, the danger is great. Though the pain in swallowing be 
very great, yet while the patient breathes easy, there is not so 
much danger. An external swelling is no unfavourable symptom ; 
but if it suddenly falls, and the disease affects the breast, the danger 
is very great. When a quinsey is the consequence of some other 
disease, which has already weakened the patient, his situation is 
dangerous. A frothing at the mouth, with a swelled tongue, a 
pale, ghastly countenance, and coldness of tlx extremities, are fatal 

symptoms. -rmHPU 

* 4 ' z REGIMEN, 




156 OF THE QUINSEY, or 

REGIMEN.-The regimen in this disease is in all respect* 

the on: e us in the pleurisy, or pefipneumony The food must be 
lighl, and in small quantiti, and the drink plentiful, weak, and di- 
luiir.g, mixed with acids. 

Ic is highly necessary that the patient be kept easy and quiet. 
Violent affections of the mind, or .great efforts of the body, may 
pone fated. lie should not even attempt to speak but in a low 
voice, Siu h a degree of warmth as to promote a constant gentle 
sweat, is proper. When the patient is in bed, his heati ought to 
be raised a little higher than usual. 

It is peculiar!\ necessary that the neck be kept warm ; for which 
purpose several folds of soft flannel may be w rapt round it. That 
alone will often remove a slight complaint of the throat, especially 
if applied in due time. We cannot here emit observing the pro¬ 
priety of a -'custom which prevails among the peasants of Scotland. 

kin£ 
aces 
r ce¬ 
remonies : the custom however, is undoubtedly a good one, and 
should never be neglected. When the throat has been thus wrap¬ 
ped up all night, it must not be exposed to the cold air through the 
day, but a handkerchief or a piece of flannel kept about it till the in¬ 
flammation be removed. 

The jelly of black currants is a medicine very much in esteem for 
complaints of the throat ; and indeed it is of some use. It 
shovdd be almost constantly kept in the mouth, and swallowed down 
leisurely. It may likewise be mixed in the patient’s drink, or taken 
any other way. When it cannot be obtained, the jelly of red cur¬ 
rants, or-of mulberries, may be used in its stead. 

Gurgles for the throat are very beneficial. They may be made of 
sage-tea, with £ little vinegar and honey, or by adding to half an 
English pint of the pectoral decoction, two or three spoonfuls of ho¬ 
mey, and the same quantity of cui rant-jelly. This may be used 
three or four times a-day ; and .if the patient be troubled with tough 
viscid phlegm, the gargle may be rendered more sharp and cleans¬ 
ing, by adding To it a tea-spoonful of the spirit ol sell animaniiac. 
Some recommend gargles made of a decoction of the leaves or bark 
•of the black current-bush; but where the jelly can be had,, these 
-are unnecessary. 

There is no disease wherein the benefit of bathing the feet aad 
legs in hikewaim water is more apparent: that practice ought there¬ 
fore never to be neglected. If people w ere careful to keep warm, 
to wrap up tiieir throat's with flannel, to bathe their feet and legs in 
warm water, and to use a spare diet, with diluting liquors, at the 
beginning of this disease, it would seldom proceed to a great height, 
or be attended with any danger; but when these precautions are 
neglected, and the disease becomes violent, more powerful medicines 
a i e necessary . 

MEDICINE-An inflammation of the throat being a most 

acute and dangerous distemper, which sometimes takes off the pa 
lien; very suddenly, it will be proper, as soon as the symptoms ap 

pear. 


Vv hen they fee! any uneasiness of the throat, they wrap a stoc 
about it all night. So effectual is this remedy, that in many pi 
it passes for a charm, and the stocking is applied with particiila 






INFLAMMATION of the THROAT. 157 

3?ear, to bleed in the arm, or rather in the jugular vein, and to repeat 
the operation if circumstances require. 

The body should likewise be kept gently open. This may either 
be done by giving the patient for his ordinary drink a decoction of 
tigs arid tamarinds, or small doses of rhubarb and nitre, as recoru- 
mended in tire erysipelas. These may be increased according to the 
age ot the patient, and repeated till they have the desired effect. 

I have often known very good effects from a bit of sal pi unel, or 
purified nitre, held in the mouth* and swallowed down as it melted. 
This promotes the discharge of saliva » by which means it answeis 
the end of a gargle, while at the same time it abates the fever, by 
promoting the discharge of urine, Sec. 

The throat ought likewise to be rubbed twice or thrice a-day with 
a little of the volatile liniment. This seldom fails to produce some 
good effects. At the same time the neck ought to be carefully co¬ 
vered with wool or flannel, to prevent the cold from penetrating tire 
skin, as this application renders it very tender. Many-other exter¬ 
nal applications are recommended in this disease, as a swallow’s 
nest, poultices made of the fungus called Jew’s ears, album Grmcum, 
&c. But as we do not look upon any of these to be preferable 10 a 
common poultice of bread and milk, we shall take no farther notice 
of them. 

Some recommend the gum-guaiacum as a specific in this disease. 
Half a drachm of the gum in powder may be made into an electuary 
with the rob of elder-berries, or the jelly of currants for a dose,and 
repeated occasionally*. 

Blistering upon the neck or'behind the ears in violent inflamma¬ 
tions of the throat is very beneficial; and in bad cases it will be 
necessary to lay a blistering-piaster quite across the throat, so as to 
reach from ear to ear. After the plasters are taken off the parts 
ought to be kept running by the application of issue ointment, till 
the inflammation is gone ; otherwise, upon their drying up, the pa¬ 
rent w ill be in danger of a relapse. 

When the patiertt has been treated as above, a suppuration sel¬ 
dom happens. This however is sometimes the case, in spite of ai! 
endeavours to prevent it. When the inflammation and swelling 
continue, and it is evident that a suppuration will ensue, it ought 
to be promoted by drawing the steam of warm water into the throat 
through a tunnel, or the like. Soft poultices ought likewise to be 
applied outwardly, and the patient may keep a roasted fig constantly 
in his mouth. 

It sometimes happens,, before the tumour breaks, that the swel¬ 
ling is so great, as entirely to prevent any thing from getting down 
into the stomach. In this case the patient must inevitably perish, 
unless he can be supported in some other way. . This can only be 
done by nourishing clysters of broth, or gruel with milk, 8 cc. Pa¬ 
tients have often been supported by these for severai clays, till the 
tumour has broke ; and afterwards they have recovered. 

Not only the swallowing, but the breathing, is often prevented 
by the tumour. In this case nothing can save the patient’s life, 

* Dr. Home. 


but 




lj8 OF THE QUINSEY, &c. 

but opening the trachea or wind-pipe. As that has been ofleu 
done with success, no person, in such desperate circumstances, 
ought to hesitate a moment about the operation; but as it can only 
be performed by a surgeon, it is not necessary here to give any dr- 
reckons about it. 

When a difficulty of swallowing h not attended with an acute 
pain or inflammation, it is generally owing to an obstruction of the 
glands about the throat, and only requires that the part be kept 
warm, and the throat frequently gargled with something that may 
orently stimulate the glands, as a decoction of figs with vinegar and 
homy ; to which may be added a little mustard, or a small quantity 
of spirits. But this gargle is never to be used where there are signs, 
of an inflammation. This species of angina has various names 
among the common people, as the pap of the throaty the falling down, 
of the almonds of the ears, &c. Accordingly, t»» remove it, they 
lift the patient up by the hair of the head, and thrust their fingers 
under his jaws, tic. all winch practices are at best useless, and of¬ 
ten hurtful. 

Those who are subject to inflammations of the throat, in order to, 
avoid that disease, ought to live temperate. Such as do not choose 
to observe this rule, must have frequent recourse to purging and 
other evacuations, to discharge the superfluous-' humours. They 
ought likewise to beware of catching cold, and should abstain from 
ailment or medicines of an astringent or stimulating nature. * 

Violent exercise, by et\creading the motion and force of the blood* 
is apt to occasion an inflammation of the throat, especially if cold 
liquor be drank immediately after it, or the body suffered suddenly 
to cool. Those who would avoid this disease ought therefore, after 
speaking aloud, singing, running, drinking vvann liquor, or doing 
anv thing that may strain the throat, or increase the circulation of 
the blood towards it, to take care to cool gradually, and to wrapt, 
some additional covering about their necks. 

f haveoften known persons who had been subject*.to sore throats, 
entirely freed from that complaint by only ^wearing a ribband, or bit 
of flannel, constantly round their necks, or by wearing thicker shoes, 
a flannel waistcoat or the like. These may seem trifling, but they 
have great effect. There is danger indeed in leaving them off af¬ 
ter persons have been aesustomed to them ; but surely the inconve- 
niency of using such, things for life, is not to be compared with the 
danger which may at tend (he neglect of them. 

Sometimes, after an inflammation, the glands of the throat con¬ 
tinue swelled, and become hard and callous. This complaint is 
not easily removed, and is often rendered dangerous by the too fre¬ 
quent application ot strong stimulating and styptic medicines. The¬ 
bes t method is to keep it warm, and to gargle it twice a day with a 
decoction of figs, sharpened a little with the. elixir or spirit of vi¬ 
triol. 


Of 


( 1M ) 


OF THE MALIGNANT QUINSEY, ok 
PUTRID ULCEROUS SORE THROAT. 

THIS kind of quinsey is but little known in the northern parts 
of Britain, though, for some time past, it has been fatal in the more 
southern counties. Children are more liable to it than adults, fe¬ 
males than males, and the delicate than those who are hardy and 
robust. It prevails chiefly in autumn, and is most frequent after a 
long course of damp or sultry weather. 

CAUSES.-This is evidently a contagious distemper, and is 

generally communicated by infection. Whole families, and even 
entire villages, often receive the infection from one person. This 
ought to put people upon their guard against going near such pa¬ 
tients as labour under the disorder ; as by that means they endanger 
not only their own lives, but likewise those of their friends and con¬ 
nexions. Whatever tends to produce putrid or malignant fevers,, 
may likewise occasion the putrid ulcerous sore throat., as unwhole¬ 
some air, damaged provisions, neglect of cleanliness, &c. 

SYMPTOMS.-It begins with alternate fits of shivering and 

heat. The pulse is quick, but low and unequal, and generally 
continues so through the whole course of the disease. The patient 
complains greatly of weakness and oppression of the breast ; his 
spirits are low, and lie is apt to faint away when set upright; he is 
troubled with a nausea, and often with a vomiting or purging. The 
two latter are most common in children. The eyes appear red and 
watery, and the face swells. The urine is at first pale and crude ; 
but, as the disease advances, it turns more of a yellowish colour. 
The tongue is white, and generally moist, which distinguishes this 
from an inflammatory disease. Upon looking into the throat, it 
appears swelled, and of a florid red colour. Pale oi ash-coloured 
spots however are here and there interspersed, and sometimes one 
broad patch or spot, of an irregular figure, and pale white colour, 
surrounded with florid red, only appears. These whitish spots or 
slough cover so many ulcers. 

An efflorescence, or eruption upon the neck, arms, breast, and 
fingers, about the second or third day, if a common sympton of this 
disease. When it appears, the purging and vomiting generally 
cease. 

There is often a slight degree of delirium, and the face frequently 
appears bloated, and the inside of the nostrils red and inflamed.— 
The patient complains of a disagreeable putrid smell, and his breath 
is very offensive. 

The putrid ulcerous sore throat may be distinguished from the 
inflammatory, by the vomiting and looseness with which it is gene¬ 
rally ushered in; the foul ulcers in the throat covered with a white 
or livid coat; and by the excessive weakness ol the patient; with 
other symptoms of a putrid fever. 

Unfavourable symptoms are, an obstinate purging, extreme weak¬ 
ness, dimness of the sight, a livid or black colour of the spots, and 

frequent 






360 Of the MALIGNANT QUINSEY, ok 

frequent shivering*, with a weak, fluttering pulse. If the eruptioif 
upon the skin suddenly disappears, or becomes of a livid colour,- 
with a discharge of blood from the nose or month, the dangef is ver 
ry great. „ 

If a gentle sweat break out about the third or fotrth day, and 
continue with a slow, firm, and equal pulse ; if the sloughs cast off in 
a kindly manner, and appear clean and florid at the bottom ; and if 
the breathing is soft and free,, with a lively colour of the eyes, there 
is reason to hope for a salutary crisis. 

REGIMEN.-The patient must be kept quiet, and for the 

rtiost part in bed, as he will be apt to faint when taken out of it.— 
His food roust be nourishing and restorative; as sago-gruel with 
red wine, jellies, strong broths, &c. His drink ought to be gene¬ 
rous, and of an antiseptic quality: as red wine negus, white-wine 
whey, and such like. 

MEDICINE.-The medicine in this kind of quinsey is en¬ 

tirely different from ihat which is proper in the inflammatory. All 
•viacuations, as bleeding, purging, &c. which weaken the patient, 
must be-avoided. Cooilrig medicines, as nitre and cream of tartar, 
-are likewise hurtful. Strengthening cordials alone can be used with 
safety; and these ought never to be neglected. 

If at the beginning, there is a great nausea, or inclination to vomit, 
the patient must drink an infusion of green tea, camomile flowers, 
or card tuts benedirtus, in order to cleanse the stomach. If these are 
not sufficient, he may take a few grains of the powder of ipecacuan¬ 
ha, or any other gentle vomit. 

If the disease is mild, the throat may be gargled with an infusion 
of sage and rose leaves, to a gill of which may added a spoonful or 
two of honey ; and as much vinegar as will make it agreeably acid ; 
but when the symptoms are urgent, the sloughs large and thick, 
and the breath very offensive, the following gargle may be ; used : 

To six or seven ounces of the pectoral decoction* when boiling, 
add half an ounce of cdnlrayerva-root; let it boil for some time, and 
afterwards strain ihe liquor; to which add two ounces of White-wine 
▼inegar, an ounce of fine honev, and an ounce of the tincture of 
myrrh. This ought not only to be used as a gargle, but a little of 
jl should frequently be injected with a svringe to clean the throat, 
before the patient takes any meat or drink. This method is pecu¬ 
liarly necessary for children who cannot use a gargle. 

It will be of great benefit if the patient frequently receives into 
his mouth, through an inverted funnel, the steams of warm vinegar,, 
myrrh, and honey. 

But when the puiried symptoms run high, and the disease is at¬ 
tended with danger, the only medicine that can be depended upon 
is the Peruvian bark. It may be taken in substance, if the patient's 
stomach will bear it. If not, an ounce of bark grossly powdered, 
with two drachms of Virginian snake root, may be boiled in an 
English pint and a half of water to half a pint; to which a tea- 
spoonful of the elixir of vitriol may he added, and an ordinary tea¬ 
cupful of it taken every three or four hours. Blistering-plasters 
are very benelicial in this disease, especially when the patient's 





PUTRID ULCEROUS SORE THROAT, 161 


pulse and spirits are low. They may be applied to the throat, be¬ 
hind the ears, or upon the back part of the neck. 

Should the vomiting prove troublesome, it will be proper to give 
the patient two table-spoonfuls of the ffaline julep every hour. Tea 
made of mint and a little cinnamon will be very proper for his 
ordinary drink, especially if an equal quantity of red-wine be mix¬ 
ed with it. 

In case of a violent looseness, the size of a nutmeg of diascordi - 
um, or the japonic confection., may be taken two or three tunes a- 
dav, or oftener if necessary. 

if a discharge of blood irom the nose happens, the steams of 
warm vinegar may be received up the nostrils frequently; and the 
drink must be sharpened with spirits of vitriol, or tincture of 
* roses. 

In*case of a strangury, the belly must be fomented with warm 
water, and emollient clysters given three or four times a-day. 

After the violence of the disease is over, the body should still be 
kept open with mild purgatives; as manna, senna, rhubarb, or the 
like. 

If great weakness and dejection of spirits, or night-sweats, with 
•tlier symptoms of a consumption, should ensue, we would advise 
the patient to continue the use of the Peruvian bark, with the elixir 
of vitriol, and to take frequently a glass of generous wine. These, to¬ 
gether with a milk diet, and riding on horseback, are the most like¬ 
ly means for recovering his strength. 

chap. XXIX. 

Nof colds and coughs. 

TT has already been observed, that colds are the effect of an oh- 
JL structed perspiration ; the common causes of which we have 
likewise endeavoured to point out, and shall not here repeat them. 
Neither shall vve spend time in enumerating all the various symp¬ 
tom's of colds, as they are pretty generally known. It may not 
however be amiss to observe, that almost every cold is a kind of 
fever, which only differs in degree from some of those that have 
already been treated of. 

No age, sex, or constitution, is exempted born this disease; nei¬ 
ther is it in the power of any medicine or regimen to prevent it. 
The inhabitants of every climate are liable to catch cold, nor can 
even the greatest circumspection defend them at all times from its 
attacks, indeed, if the human body could be kept constantly in 
an uniform degree of warmth, such a thing as catching cold would 
be impossible; but as that cannot be effected by any means, th© 
perspiration must be liable to many changes. Such changes, how-» 
ever, when ;mal!, do not affect the health ; but, when gixsat, they 
must prove hurtful. 


When 




5(52 OF COLDS AND COUGHS. 


When oppression of the breast, a stuffing of the nose, unusual 
weariness, pain of the head, 8 zc. give ground td believe that the 
perspiration is obstructed, or, in other words, that the person has 
caught cold, he ought immediately to lessen his diet, at least the 
usual quantity oi Lis solid food, and to abstain from all strong li - 1 
quors. Instead of flesh, fish, eggs, milk, and other nourishing di¬ 
et, he may eat light bread-pudding, veal or chicken broth, panaao, 
gruels, and such like. His drink may be water-gruel sweetened 
with a little honey ; an infusion of balm or linseed, sharpened with 
the juice of orange or lemon ; a decoction of barley and liquorice, 
with tamarinds, or any other cool, diluting, acid liquor. 

Above all, his supper should be light; as small posset, or water- 
gruel sweetened with honey, and a little toasted bread in it. If ho¬ 
ney should disagree with the stomach, the gruel may be sweetened 
with treacle or coarse sugar, and sharpened with the jelly of cur¬ 
rants. Those who have been accustomed to generous liquors 
may take wine-whey instead of gruel* which may be sweetened as 
above. 


The patient ought to lie tongef than usual a'■bed, and to encourage 
a gentle sweat, which is easily brought on towards morning, by 
'drinking tea, or any kind of warm diluting liquor. I have often 
known tliis practice carry off a cold in one day, which, in all pro¬ 
bability, bad it been neglected, would have cost the patient his 
life, or have confined him for some months. Would people sacri* 
lice a little time to ease and warmth, and practise a moderate degree 
. of abstinence when the first symptoms of a cold appear, we have 
reason to believe that most of the bad effects which flow from an 
obstructed perspiration might be prevented. But, after the disease 
has gathered strength by delay, all attempts to remove it often 
prove vain. A pleurisy, a peripneumony, or a fatal consump¬ 
tion of the lungs, are the common effects of colds which have ei¬ 
ther been totally neglected or treated improperly. 

Many attempt to cure a cold, by getting drunk. But this, to say 
no worse of it, is a very hazardous experiment. Xo doubt it may 
sometimes succeed, by suddenly restoring the perspiration; but 
when there is any degree of inflammation, which is frequently the 
case, strong liquors, instead of removing the malady* will increase 
it. By this mean's a common cold may be converted into an inflam¬ 
matory fever. 

When those who labour for their daily bread have the misfortune 
to catch cold, they cannot afford to lose a day or two, in order to 
keep themselves warm, and take a little medicine ; by which means, 
the disorder is often so aggravated as to confine them for a long 
time, or even to render them ever after unable to sustain hard labour. 
But e\ea such of the labouring poor as can afford to take care of 
themselves, are often too hardy to do it ; they affect to despise 
colds, and cs long as they can crawl about, scorn to be confined by 
what they call a common cold. Hence it is, that colds destroy such 
numbers of mankind* Like an enemy despised, they gather strength 
from delay, till at length they become invincible. We often see 
this verified in travellers, who, rather than lose a day in the pro¬ 
secution of their business, throw away their lives by pursuing 

their 


OF A COMMON COUGH. 163 

their journey, even in the severest weather, with this disease upon 
them. ■ 

It is certain, however, that colds may be too much indulged.— 
When a person, for every slight cold, shuts himself up in a warm 
room, and drinks great quantities of warm liquor, it may occasion 
such a general relaxation of the solids as will not be easily removed. 

It will therefore be proper, when the disease will permit, and the 
weather is mild, to join to the regimen mentioned above gentle ex¬ 
ercise; as walking, riding on horseback, or in a carriage, Sec. An 
obstinate cold which no medicine can remove, will yield to gen¬ 
tle exercise and a proper regimen of the diet. 

Bathing the feet and legs in warm water lias a great tendency to 
restore the perspiration. But care must be taken that the water be 
not too warm, otherwise it will do hurt. It should never be much 
warmer than the blood, and the patient should go immediately to 
bed after using it. Bathing the feet in warm water, lying in bed, 
and drinking warm water-gruel, or other weak liquors, will sooner 
take off a spasm, and restore the perspiration, than all the hot sudo¬ 
rific medicines in the world. This is ail that is necessary for remov¬ 
ing a common cold ; arid if this Course be taken at the beginning, it 
will seldom fail. ; 

But when the symptoms do not yield (o abstinence, warmth, and 
.diluting liquors, there is reason to fear the approach of some other 
disease, as an inflammation of the breast, an ardent fever, or the 
like. If the pulse therefore be hard and frequent, the, skin hot and 
dry, and the patient complains of his head or breast, it will be ne¬ 
cessary to bleed, and to give the cooling powders recommended in 
the scarlet fever every three or four, hours, till they give a stool. 

It will likewise be proper to put a blistering-piaster on the back, 
to give two table-spoonfuls of the saline mixture every two hours, 
and in short to treat the patient in all respects, as for a slight fever. 

I have often seen this course, when observed at the beginning, re¬ 
move the complaint in two or three days, when the patient had all 
the symptoms of an approaching ardent fever, or an inflammation of 
the. breast. 

The chief secret of preventing colds lies in avoiding, ns • far as 
possible, all extremes either of heat or cold, and in taking care, 
when the body is heated, to let it cool gradually. These and other 
circumstances relating to this important subject, are so fully treated 
of under the article Obstructed Perspiration, that it is needless here to 
resume the consideration of them. 

- ■ v * - v * r ? . 

OF A COMMON COUGH. 

A COUGH is generally the effect of a cold, which has either 
been Improperly treated, or entirely neglected. When it proves 
obstinate, there is always reason to fear the consequences, as thi? 
shews a weak state of the lungs, and is often the forerunner of a 
consumption, ; 

A a If 


m OF A COMMON COUGH. 


If the cough be violent, and the patient young and strong, with, 
a hard quick pulse, bleeding will be proper ; but in weak and re¬ 
laxed habits, bleeding rather prolongs the disease. When the pa¬ 
tient spits freely, bleeding is unnecessary, and sometimes hurtful, as 
it tends to lessen that discharge. 

When the cough is not attended with any degree of fever, and 
the spittle is viscid and tough, sharp pectoral medicines are to be 
administered as gum ammoniac, squills, &zc. Two table-spoon¬ 
fuls of the solution of gum ammoniac may be taken three or four 
times a-day, more or less, according 4 o the age and constitution of the 
patient. Squills may be given various ways: two ounces of the 
vinegar, the oxymel, or the syrup, may be mixed with the same 
quantity of simple cinnamon water, to which may be added an 
ounce of common water and an ounce of balsamic s\rup. Two 
table-spoonfuls of this mixture may be taken three or four times a- 
da v. 


A syrup made of equal parts lemon-juice, honey, and sugar- 
candy, islikewise very proper in this kind of cough. A tablet-spoon¬ 
ful of it may be taken at pleasure. 

But Vv'hen the deflation is sharp and thin, these medicines rather 
do hurt, in this case gentle opiates, oils, and muc lages are more 
proper. A cup of an infusion of wild poppy leaves, and marsh- 
mallow roots, or the flowers of colts-foot, may be taken frequently; 
or a tea-spoonful of the paregoric elixir may be put into the patient’s 
drink twice a-day. fuller’s Spanish infusion is also a very proper 
medicine in this case, and may be taken in the quantity ofatea-cup- 
fuJ three or four times a-day *. 

When a cough is occasioned by acrid humours tickling the throat 
a vA fauces, the patient should keep some soft pectoral lozenges almost 
constantly in his mouth ; as the Pontefract liquorice cakes, barleys 
sugar, the common balsamic lozenges, Spanish juice, &c. These 
blunt the acrimony of the humours, and by taking Off their stimula¬ 
ting quality, help to appease the cough f. 

In obstinate coughs, proceeding from a flux of humours upon the 
lungs, it will often be necessary, besides expectorating medicines, 
to have recourse to issues, seions, or some other drain. In this case 
I have often observed the most happy effects from a Burgundy-pitch 
piaster applied between the shoulders. ] have ordered this sim¬ 
ple remedy in the most obstinate coughs, in a great number of cases, 
and in many different constitutions, without ever knowing it fail 
to give relief, unless where there were evident signs of an ulcer m 
the lungs* 


* See Appendix, Spanish Infusion. 
f In a former edition of this hook I recommended, for an cbftinate! tick¬ 
ling c'-ugh, an - ilv e nun firm, made with the paregoric elixir of the Edin¬ 
burgh DiCpenfatory, mftead of the common alkaline fpirit. I have flnee 
been told bv fcveral pra^ti• toners, that they found it to be an excellent me¬ 
dicine in this diforder, and even wav deierving of the chava&er which I had 
given it. Where this elixir is not kept, its place may be fupplied by adding 
to the common oily ennilfion, an adequate ^proportion of the Thebaic 
tinctube, or liquid laudanum. 


About 


OF A COMMON COUGH. 


16 




About the bulk of a nutmeg of Burgundy-pitch may be spread 
thin upon a piece of soft leather, about the size of the hand, and 
laid between the shoulder-blades. It may be taken otf and wiped 
every three or four days, and ought to be renewed once a fortnight 
or three weeks. This is indeed a cheap and simple medicine, and 
consequently apt to be despised ; but we will venture to affirm, that 
the whole materia mcdica does not afford an application more effica¬ 
cious in almost every kind of cough. It has not indeed always an 
immediate effect; but,, if kept on for sometime, it Will succeed 
where most other medicines fail. 

The only inconvenieney attending this plaster is the itching which 
it occasions; but surely this may be dispensed with considering the 
advantage which (he patient may expect to reap from the applica¬ 
tion ; besides, when the itching becomes very uneasy, the plaster 
may be taken off, and the part rubbed with a dry cloth, or washed 
with a litle warm milk and water. Some caution indeed is necessa¬ 
ry in discontinuing the use of such a plaster; this however may be 
safely done by making it smaller by degrees, and at length quitting 
it altogether in a warm season*. 

But coughs proceed from many other causes besides defluxions 
upon the lungs. In these cases the cure is not to be attempted by 
pectoral medicines. Thus, in a cough proceeding from a foulness 
and debility of the stomach, syrups, oils, mucilages, arid all kinds 
of balsamic medicines do hurt. The stomach cough may be know n 
from one that is owing to a fault in the lungs by this, that in the !at- 

o b 4 O J ' 

ter the patient coughs whenever he inspires, or draws hi his breath 
fully ; but in tiie former, that does not happen. 

The cure of this cough depends, chiefly upon cleansing and 
strengthening the stomach ; for which purpose gentle vomits ar.d 
bitter purgatives are most proper. Thus, after a vomit or two, the 
sacred tincture, as it is called, may be taken for a considerable time 
in the dose of one or two table-spoonfuls twice a-day, or as often 
as it is found necessary, to keep the body gently open. People 
may make this tincture themselves, by infusion an ounce of hiera pi¬ 
er a f in an English pint of white vyine, letting it stand a few days, 
and then straining it. 

In coughs w hich proceed from a debility of ihe stomach, the Peru¬ 
vian bark is likewise of considerable service. It may either be chew¬ 
ed, taken in powder, or made into a tincture along with other sto¬ 
machic bitters. 

A nervous cough can only be removed by .change of air and proper 

exercise ; to which may be added the use of gentle opiates.- 

Instead of the saponaceous pill, the paregoric elixir, &c. which are 
only opium, disguised, ten, fifteen, twenty,, or twenty-five drops of 

* Some complain that the pitch-plafter adheres too fad, while others 
find difficulty in keeping it on. This proceeds from the difiertrit kinds of 
pitch made ufe of, and likewife from the manner of making it. I gene¬ 
rally find it anfwers bell when mixed with a little bees-wax, and fpread 
as cool as poffible. The clear, hard, tranfparent pitch anfwers the purpot e 
bell. 

f See Appendix, Kiera Pics a. 


liquid 





155 OF THE HOOPING-COUGH, 

liquid laudanum, more or less, as circumstances require, may be 
taken at bed-lime,-or when the cough is most troublesome. Immers¬ 
ing the feet and hands in warm water will often appease the violence 
or a nervous cough. 

When a cough is only the symptom of some other malady, it is in 
vain to attempt to remove it without first curing the disease from 
which it proceed s . Thus when a cough is occasioned by teething,' 
keeping the body open, scarifying the gums; or whatever laciiitates 
the cutting of the teeth,-likewise appeases thecoiigh. In like man¬ 
ner, when tvor?ns occasion a cough, such medicines as remove these 
vermin will generally cure the cough; as bitter purgatives, oily 
clvslers, and such like. 

Women, during the last months of pregnancy, are often greatly 
afflicted with a cough., which is generally relieved by bleeding, and 
keeping the body gently-open. . They ought to avoid all flatulent 
food, and to wear a loose easy dress. 

A cough is not only a symptom, but is often likewise the forerun¬ 
ner of' diseases. Tims, the gout is frequently ushered in by a very 
troublesome cough, which affects the patient for some days before 
the coming ■ on of the fit. ' This coiigh is generally removed by a 
paroxysm of the gout, which should therefore be promoted, by keep¬ 
ing the extremities warm, drinking warm liquors, and bathing the' 
feet and legs freemen tby in lukewarm water. 


to 


T H E HO,QFI.N G - C O U G H. 
C H I N - C O U G IT. 


OR 


'THIS cough seldom affects adults, but proves often fatal to chib 
dren. Such children as live upon thin Watery diet, who breathe 
unwholesome air, and have too little exercise., are most liable to 
this disease, and generally suffer most from it. 

The chin cough is so well known, even to nurses, that a descrip¬ 
tion of it is unnecessary. Whateverdiur'ls-the digestion, obstructs 
the perspiration, or relaxes the solids, disposes to this disease; con¬ 
sequently its cure must depend upon cleansing and strengthening the; 
stomach, braying the, solids, and at the ;aine time promoting per¬ 
spiration, and the different- secretions. 

The diet must be light, and of easy digestion ; for children, good 
bread made into pap or pudding, chicken ''broth, with other light 
spoon meats, are proper ; but those who arc farther advanced, may 
be allowed sago-gruel, and if the fever be not high, a little boiled 
chicken, or other white meats The drink may lie hyssop, or pen¬ 
ny-royal tea, sweetened with honey or sugar-candy, small wine- 
whey ; or if the patient be vycak, he may. sometimes be allowed a 
little negus. 

One of the most effectual remedies in the chin cough is change of 
air This often removes the malady, even When the change seems 
to he from a purer to a less wholesome air. This may in some mea¬ 
sure depend on the patient's being removed from the place where 

the 


or CHIN-COUGH. 


1.67 


the infection prevails. Most of the diseases of children are infec¬ 
tious; nor is it at all uncommon to :ind the chin-cough prevailing in 
one town or village, when another, at a very small distance, is 
quite free from it. But whatever be the cause, we are sure of the 
fact. No time ought therefore to be lost in removing the patient 
at some distance from the place where he caught the disease, and, 
if possible, into a more pure and warm air*. 

When the disease proves violent, and the patient is in danger 
of being suffocated t y the.cough, he ought to be bled, especially if 
there be a fever with a hard full pulse. But as the chief intention 
of bleeding is to prevent an inflammation of the lungs, and to render 
it more safe to give vomits, it will seldom be necessary to repeat 
the operation ; yet if there are symptoms of an inflammation of the 
lungs, a second or even a third bleeding may be requisite, 

It is generally reckoned a favourable symptom when a fit of 
coughing makes the patient vomit. This cleanses die stomach, and 
greatly relieves the cough. It will therefore bo proper to promote 
this discharge, either by small dqs.es of ipecacuanha, or the vomiting 

O J A O 

julep recommended in the Appendixf. 

It is very difficult to make children drink after a vomit. I have 
often seen them happily deceived, by infusing a scruple or half a 
drachm of the powder of ipecacuanha in,a tea-pot, with half an 
English pint of Boiling' water: If this be disguised with a few drops 
of milk and a little sugar, they will imagine it tea, and drink it ve¬ 
ry greedily. A small tea-cupful of this may be given very quarter 
of an hour, or rather every ten minutes, till it operates. 

When the child begins to puke, there will be no occasion for 
drinking any more, as the water already on the stomach will be suf¬ 
ficient. 

Vomits not only cleanse the stomach, which in this disease is ge¬ 
nerally loaded with viscid phlegm, but they likewise promote the 
perspiration and other secretions, and ought therefore to be lepeat- 
ed according to the obstinacy of the disease. J'hey should not how¬ 
ever be strong ; gentle vomits frequently repeated are both less dan¬ 
gerous, and more beneficial than strong ones. 

The body ought to be kept gently open. The best medicines for 
this purpose are rhubarb and preparations, as the s.Vrnp, tincture, &c. 
Of these a tea-spoonful or two may be given lo an infant twice or 
thrice a-day, as there is occasion. To such as are farther advanced, 
the dose must be proportionally increased, and repeated till it has the 
desired effect. Those vvhocannot be brought to take the bitter tinc¬ 
ture, may have an infusion of. senna and prunes, sweetened with 
manna, coarse sugar, or honey; or a few grains of rhubarb mixed 
with a tea-spoonful or two of syrup, or currant jelly, so as to 

* Some think the air ought not to be changed till the, d ilea fie is on the 
decline; but there feems to be no fufficient reafon lor this opinion, as pati¬ 
ents have been known to reap benefit trom a cnange of air at all periods of 
the difease. It is not fufficient to take the patient out daily in a carriage. 
Tiiis feldom anfwers any good purpofe; hut often does hurt by giving him 
cdd. 

f See Appendix, Vomiting JuLitr. 


disguise 


168 OF THE HOOPING-COUGH, & g . 

(Usgiu e the taste. Most children are fond of syrups and jellies and 

' " fI™ rcfl,5e ^, a disagreeable medicine when mixed w Hi, them" 
i.Xany people believe that oily, pectoral and hobw V 
.possess wonderful virtues for fhe^ureofthe,h‘ i, d, 7 fi ^ 
t-'ordingly exhibit them r>leni;c„li < • the chm-cough, and ac- 

stitiitioiif »S£ s ES^C!i 0f T? afie and con - 

load the stomach, hurt the digestion and f' S ° f thlsnature must 
disorders'. g 11 ■’ an<i ,jt course aggravate the 

cur^cKtr Tl^ho'ch gr T' r f C ° mmended ^ the 
may infuse two o^es off 7 ^’ 
white-wine lor one night. Afterwards the li " ' ft ' P ', nt Qf sma,i 

through a cloth, and a fable-speonful of it given'tohh^ ^ Stra ! ned 
or lour times a-day. -8 tne patient three,. 

opiates are sometimes necessarv n ii„ . , 

cough. For this purpose a little of the s 7 ’r vlol ® nce of the 
Six, or seven drops of h nr ]. 1r ~ syrup of poppies, or five . 

tjent, may be taken in a cup Ilflivw ° rd,11g ( ° the a * e ° f the P a “ 
peafed occasionally f J > J -'tpoi penny-royal tea, and re 

re ” ed7 ■“ ^-Britain for 
c-irnd quantity of hogTlard S^lic with an 

I U .: ,,bbed '--or t t I -* 


virtue. This is an exceedu-V’n-rod'i '"a"’- as , cne S arJlc soon loses its 
ami in most other coughs ofir^X nfet^ £ the f 
ever to be used when the nai'e-n ? alure \. lt ought not how- 

mcreuse these symptoms ‘ ‘ hot or reverish, lest it should 

r 1 *! r* •* I v * 


rarur wator/and^^urglndt-nU^ ‘T 0r threc r,a . vs 1,1 luke- 

te te* aiid - - 

fi 


be 

eep 


. When ‘the disease i^olZT^TT^ 

over, the Peruvian bark, and^dr’erf,1' C PA ‘ Cnt isfcefl «a 

oted,ernes, rhe bark may either t iofe' T ^ m ° St pro P tl 

coct.cn or infusion, a. idnost aereeahh p su bstanqe, or in a de- 

or.twenty grams, according to tht-an- 0 f'.i 1 or a chli <h ten, fifteen, 

g to Uicagv, of the patient, maybe gi vel 


jsss: of r e r;- quanti - muft be t] 

fii,c!w';" S “"m ; w b h ”f° f "h aS 1 a We n to X obfc v r^ remCdy hl 

” ”* WlH 1,1 ,ime bef <=“.i the mott 'fe ia kthat tonic 


three 


INFLAMMATION of the STOMACH, &c. 169 

three or four times a-day. For an adult, half a drachm or two scru¬ 
ples will be proper. Some give the extract of the bark with cantha- 
rides; but to manage this requires considerable attention. It 
more safe to give a few grains of castor along with the bark. A 
child of six or seven years of age may take seven or eight grains of 
castor, with fifteen grains of powdered bark, for a dose. This may 
be made into a mixture with two or three ounces of any simple 
distilled water,and a little syrup, and taken three or four times a-da\- 

c H A P. XXX. 

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH, AND 

OTHER VISCERA. 

A LL inflammations of the bowels are dangerous, and require the 
TjL most speedy assistance ; as they frequently end in a suppura¬ 
tion, and sometimes in a mortification, which is certain death. 

CAUSES.-An inflammation of the stomach may proceed from 

any of the causes which produce an inflammatory fever ; as cold li¬ 
quor drank while the body is warm, obstructed perspiration, or the 
sudden striking in of any eruption. It may likewise proceed from 
the acrimony of the bile, or from acrid and stimulating substances 
taken into the stomach ; as strong vomits or purges, corrosive poi¬ 
sons, and such like. When the gout has been repelled from the 
extremities, either by cold or improper applications, it often occa¬ 
sions an inflammation of the stomach. Hard or indigestible sub¬ 
stances taken into the stomach, as bones, the stones of fruits, &c. 
rnay likewise have that effect- 

SYMPTOMS.--It is attended with a fixed pain and burning 

heat in the stomach ; great restlessness and anxiety ; a small, quick, 
and hard pulse ; vomiting, or, at least, a nausea and sickness ; ex¬ 
cessive thirst ; coldness of the extremities ; difficulty of breathing ; 
cold clammy sweats ; and sometimes convulsions and fainting fits. 
The stomach is swelled, ami ofi'en feels hard to the touch. One of 
the most certain signs of this disease, is the sense of pain, which the 
patient feels upon taking any kind of food or drink* especially if it 
be either too hot or too cold. 

When the patient vomits every thing he eats or drinks, is ex¬ 
tremely restless, has a hiccup, with an intermitting pulse, and fre¬ 
quent tainting fits, the danger is very great. 

REGIMEN.--All acrimonious heating, and irritating food 

and drink, are carefully to be avoided. The weakness of the pa¬ 
tient may deceive the bystanders, and induce them to give him wines, 
spirits, or other cordials ; but these never fail to increase the dis¬ 
ease, and often occasion sudden death. The inclination to vomit 
may likewise impose on the attendants, Slid make them think a vo¬ 
mit necessary ; but that too is almost certain death. 

The food must be light, thin, cool, and easy of digestion. It 

must 







i 1 


0 INFLAMMATION of the INTESTINES. 

must be given in small quantities, anti snopld neitiier be quite cold, 
nor too hot. This gruel made of barley or oatmeal,, light toasted 
bread dissolved in boiling water, or very weak chicken broth, are 
the most oroper. The drink should be clear vrhey, bailey-water, 
water in Which toasted bread has been boiled, or decoctions of e- 
mollient vegetables, as liquorice and marsh-mallow roots, sarsapa¬ 
rilla, or the like. > ^ , 

MEprCINE.-—Bleeding in this disease is absolutely necessary, 

and is almost the only thing that can be depended on. W hen the 
disease proves obstinate, it will often be proper to repeat thisope- 
ration several times, nor must the low slate oi the puke deter us from 
doing so. The pui-.e indeed generally rises upon oleeding, and as 
long as that is the ease-, th<? operation is safe. < 

Frequent fomentations with lukewarm water, or a decoction oi 
emollient vegetables, are likewise beneficial. Flannel cloths dipped 
in these must be applied to the region of the stomach, and removed 
as tliev grow cool. They must neither be applied too warm, nor 
be suffered to continue till they become quite cold, as either of these 
extremes would aggravate the disease. g 

The feet and legs ought likewise to be frequently bathed in hiker 
warm water, and warm bricks or. poultices may he applied to the 
soles of the feet. The warm bath, if it can be conveniently used, 
will be of great service. 

In this, and all other inflammations of the bowels, an epispastic, 
or blistering-plaster, applied over the part affected, is one of the 
best remedies I know. I have often used it, and do not recollect 
one instance wherein it did not give relief to the. patient. 

The only interna! medicines which we shall venture to recommend 
in this disease, are mild clysters. These may be made of warm wa¬ 
ter, or thin water-gruel ; and if the patient is costive, a little sweet 
oil, honey, or manna, may be added. Clysters answer the purpose, 
cf an internal fomentation, while they keep the body open, and at 
the same time nourish the patient’, who is often in this disease unable 
to retain any food upon his stomach. For these reasons they must 
not be neglected, as the patient’s life may depend on -tJrern. 


INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES. 


drinking hard windv 

C* 

wind, cyder, See 


c* 
l 'W 


THIS is one of the most painful and dangerous diseases that 
rna: kind i liable to. It generally proceeds from the same causes. as 
the inflammation of the stomach; to which may be added costive- 
ness, worms eating unripe fruits, or great quantities or nuts, 

malt liquors, as stale bottled beer or ate, four 
It may likewise be occasioned by a rupture, by 
schirrous tumours of the intestines, or by their opposite sides grow¬ 
ing together. ■. , 

inflammation of the intestines is denominated Iliac 'passion, 
according to the name of the parts affected. The 
treatment however is nearly the same whatever part of the intestinal 

canal 


Ln'er itis, eye 



INFLAMMATION of the INTESTINES. 171 

•canal be the seat of the disease ; we shall therefore omit these dis¬ 
tinctions, lest they should perplex the reader. 

The sy/upturns here are nearly the same as in the foregoing disease 
on'y the pain, it possible* is more acute, and is situated lower. 
JTbe voflfiiting is likewise rhore violent, and sometimes even the ex¬ 
crements, together with the clysters, are discharged by the moutji. 
i he patient is continually belching up wind, and has often an ob¬ 
struction of his urine. 

While the pam shifts, and the vomiting only returns at certain in¬ 
tervals, 'and while the clysters pass downwards, there is ground for 
hope ; but when the clysters and pieces- are vomited, and the patient 
is exceeding weak, with a low fluttering pulse, a pile countenance* 
and a disagreeable or stinking breath, there is great reason to (ear 
that the consequences will prove fatal. Clammy sweats, blade 
foetid stools, with a small intermitting pulse, and a total cessation 
of pain, are signs of a mortification already begun, and of-anbroach- 

• I* J CJ 14 

mg death. 

REGIMEN.-The regimen in this disease is in general the 

same as in an inflammation of the stomach. The patient must he 
kept quiet, avoiding cold, and all v iolent passions of the mind. His 
food ought to be very light, and given in small quantities; hi* 
drink weak and diluting ; as clear whey, barley-water, and such 
like. 

MEDICINE.-Bleeding in this* as well as fo the inflamma¬ 

tion of the stomach, is of the greatest importance. It should be 
performed as soon as the symptoms appear, and must be repeated 
according to the strength of the patient, and the violence of tfoe- 
disease. 

A blistering-plaster is here likewise to be applied immadiatelv 
over the part where the most violent pain is. This not only relieves 
the pain of the bowels, but even clysters and purgative medicines, 
which before had no effect* will operate when the blister begins to 
rise. 

Fomentations ard laxative clysters are by no means to be'omifo 
ted. The patient’s feet and legs should frequently be bathed in 
warm water; and cloths dipped in it applied to bis belly. Blad¬ 
ders tilled with warm water may likewise be applied to the region 
of the navel, and warm bricks, or bottles filled with warm water, 
to the soles of the feet. The clysters may be made of barley-water 
or thin gruel with salt, and softened with sweet oil or fresh butter. 
These may be administered every two or three hours, or oftener, 
if the patient continues costive. 

If the disease does not yield to clysters and fomentations, recourse 
must be had to pretty strong purgatives; but as these, by irritating 
the bowels, often increase their contraction, anti by that means 
frustrate their own intention, it will be necessary to join them with 
opiates, which, by allaying the pain, and relaxing the spasmodic 
contractions of the guts, greatly assist the operation of purgatives 
in this case, 

B b 


What 






172 INFLAMMATION of the INTESTINES. 

What answers the purpose of opening the body very well, is a 
solution of the bitter purging salts. Two ounces of these may be 
dissolved in an English pint of warm water, or thin gruel, and a 
tea-cupful of it taken every halt hour till-it operates. At the same 
time fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five drops of laudanum may be given 
in a glass of peppermint or simple cinnamon-Water, to appease tne 
irritation, and prevent the vomiting, Sec. 

Acids have often a very happy effect in staying tne vomiting, ana 
appeasing the other violent symptoms or this disease. It wid theie- 
dbre be of use to sharpen the patient’s drink with cream of tartar, 
juice of lemon ; or, when these cannot be obtained, yvitn vinegar. 

But it often happens that no liquid whatever will stay on the 
stomach. In this case the patient must lake purging pills. 1 have 
generally found the following answer very well: i ake jalap in pow¬ 
der, and variolated tartar, of each, haH a drachm, opium one grain, 
Castile soap as much as will make (he mass fii lor pihs. d hese 
must -be taken at one dose, and if thev do not operate m a few hours, 
the dose may be repeated. 

If a stool cannot be procured by any ol the above means, it will 
be necessary to immerse the patient in warm water up to the breast. 
I have often seen this succeed when oilier means had been tried m 
vain. The patient must continue in the water as long as lie can ea¬ 
sily bear it without tainting, and if one immersion has not the desi¬ 
red effect, it may be repeated as soon as the patient’s strength and 
.spirit?, are recruited. It is more safe for him to go frequently into 
the bath, than to continue too long 2t a time, and it is often neces¬ 
sary to repeat it several times before it has the desired effect. 

It has sometimes happened, after all other means of procuring a 
stool had been tried to no purpose, that this w'as brought about by im¬ 
mersing the patient’s lower extremities in cold water, or making him 
walk on a wet pavement, and dashing his legs and thighs with the 
cold water. This method, when others fail, at least merits a trial. 
It is indeed attended with some danger; but a doubtful remedy is 
better than none. 

In desperate cases it is common to give quicksilver. This may 
be g iven to the quantity of several ounces, or even a pound, but 
should not exceed that*. When there is reason to suspect a morti¬ 
fication of the guts, this medicine ought not to be tried. In that 
case it cannot cure the patient, and will only hasten his death. But 
when fhe obstruction is occasioned by any cause that can be remov¬ 
ed by force, quicksilver is not only a proper medicine, but the best 
that can be administered, as it is the fittest body we know for mak¬ 
ing its way through the intestinal canal 

If the disease proceeds from a rupture, the patient must be laid 
well his head very low, and the intestines returned by gentle pres- 

* When quickfilver is given in too large quantities, it defeats its own in¬ 
tention, as it drags down the bottom of the ilomach, which prevents its get¬ 
ting over the Pylorus. In this cafe the patient fliouid be hung up by the 
heels, in order that the quicklilver may be ditckarged by his month. 


sure 



OF THE COL I C. 173 

sure wiih (he hand. If this, with fomentations and clysters,.should 
not succeed, recourse must be had to a surgical operation, which 
may give the patient relief. 

Such as would avoid this excruciating and dangerous disease, 
must take care never to be too long without a stool. Some who 
have died of it have had several pounds of hard dry fwees taken out 
of their guts. They should likewise beware of eating too freely 
of sour or unripe fruits, or drinking stale windy liquors, &c. [ 

have known it brought on by living too much on baked fruits, which 
are seldom good.' It likewise proceeds frequently from cold caught 
by wet clothes, &c. but especially from wet feet. 

OF THE COLIC: 

THE col ic has a great resemblance to the two preceding diseases, 
both in its symptoms and method of cure. It is generally attended 
with costiveness and acute pain of the bowels; and requires dilut¬ 
ing diet, evacuations, fomentations, &c. 

Colics are variously denominated according totl.vr causes, as the 
flatulent, the bilious, the hysteric, the nervous, &c. As each of these 
requires a particular method of treatment, we shall point out their 
most general symptoms, and the means to be use 1 for their relief. 

The flatulent, or wind-colic, is generally occasioned by an indis¬ 
creet use of unripe fruits, meats of hard digestion, windy vegeta¬ 
bles, fermenting liquors, and such like. It may likewise proceed 
from an obstructed perspiration, or catching cold. Delicate people, 
whose digestive powers are weak, are most liable to this kind of co¬ 
lic. 

The flatulent colic may either affect the stomach or intestines. It 
is attended with a painful stretching of the affected part. The pa¬ 
tient feels a rumbling in his guts, and is generally relieved by a dis¬ 
charge of wind, either upwards or downwards. The pain is sel¬ 
dom confined to anv particular part, as the vapour wanders from one 
division of the bowels to another till it finds a vent. 

When the disease proceeds from windy liquor, green fruit, sour 
herbs, or the like, the best medicine on the first appearance of (he 
symptom is a dram of brandy, gin, or any good spirits. The patient 
should likewise sit with his feet uporr a warm hearth-stone, or apply 
warm bricks to them; and warm cloths may be applied to his sto¬ 
mach and bowels. 

This is the only colic wherein ardenS spirits, spjeeries, or any 
thing of a hot nature, may be ventured upon. Nor indeed are they 
to be used here unless at the very beginning, before any symptoms of 
inflammation appear. We have reason to believe, that a colic occa¬ 
sioned by wind or flatulent food might always be cured by spirits and 
warm liquors, if they were taken immediately upon perceiving the 
first uneasiness ; but when the pain has continued for a considera¬ 
ble time, and there is reason to fear an inflammation of the bowels 

is 


174 


OFT HE C O L I a 


Is already begun, all hot things are to be avoid" I as poison, and the 
patient is to be treated in the same manner as for the inflammation 
of the intestines. 

Several kinds of food, as honey* eggs, &c. ocean on colics in 
some particular constitutions. I have generally found the best me¬ 
thod of cure for these, was to drink plentifully of small diluting li¬ 
quors, as water-gruel, small posset, water with toasted bread soak¬ 
ed in it, &o. 

Colics which proceed from excess and indigestion generally cure 
themselves by occasioning vomiting or purging. These discharges 
are by no means to be stopped, but promoted by drinking plentiful¬ 
ly of warm water, or weak posset. When the violence • ■ over* 
the patient may take a dose of rhubarb, or any other gentle purge* 
to carry off the dregs of his debauch. 

Colics which are occasioned by wet feet, or catching cold, may 
generally be removed at the beginning, bv bathing the feel and legs 
in warm water, and drinking such warm diluting liquors as will pro¬ 
mote the perspiration, as weak wine-whey, or water-gruel, w ith a 
small quantity of spirits in if. 

Those flat al-nt colics, which prevail so much among country peo¬ 
ple, might generally be prevented were they careful to change their 
clothes when they get wet. They ought likewise to take a dram, or 
to di ink some warm iinuor after eating any kind of green trash. We 
do not mean to recommend the practice of dram-drinking, but in 
this case ardent spirits prove areal medicine, and indeed the best 
that can be administer d. A glass of good peppermint-water will 
have nearly the same effect as a glass of brandy, and in some cases is 
rather to be preferred. 

7 ’he bilious colic is attended with very acute pains about the re-r 
gion of the naval. The patient complains of great thirst, and is 
.generally costive. He vomits a hot, bitter, yellow' coloured bile, 
which being discharged, seems to afford some, relief, but is quick¬ 
ly followed by the same violent pain as before. As the distemper 
advances, the propensity to vomit sometimes increases so as to be- 
* ome almost continual, and the proper motion of the intestines b so 
far perverted, that there are all the symptoms of impending iliac 
passion. 

If the patient be young and strong, and the pulse full and fre¬ 
quent, it will be proper to bleed, after which clysters may be ad¬ 
ministered. Clear whev or gruel, sharpened with the juice'of le¬ 
mon, or cream of tartar, must be drank freely. Small cldc ken-broth, 
with a little manna dissolved in it, or a slight decoction of tamarinds, 
are likewise very proper, or any other thin, arid, opening liquor. 

Besides bleeding $md plentiful dilution, it will be necessary to fo¬ 
ment the belly noth cloths dipped in warm water, and if this should 
not succeed, the patient must be immersed up to the breast in warm 
water. 

in the bilious colic the vomiting is often very difficult to restrain. 
When this happens, the patient may drink a decoction of toasted 
bread, or an infusion of garden-mint in boiling water. Should these 
pot have the desired effect, the saline draught, with a few drops of 

laudanum 


v 




O F T H E C b L I C. 


17 5 


laudanum in iL, may be given, and repeated according to urgency 
°f the symptoms. A small quantity of Venice treacle may be spread 
in form of a cataplasm, and applied to the pit of the stomach. 
Clysters, with a proper quantity of Venice treacle 6r liquid lauda¬ 
num in them, may likewise be frequently administered. 

The hysteric colie bears a great re>emblance to the bilious. It is 
attended with acute pains about the region of the stomach, 
vomiting, &c. What the patient vomits in this case is com¬ 
monly ot a greenish colour. There is a great ranking of the 
spirits, with dejection of mind and difficulty of breathing, which 
are the characteristic symptoms el this disorder. Softie times it is ac¬ 
companied with the jaundice, but this generally goes off of its .own 
accord in a few days. 

In this colic ail evacuations, as bleeding, purging, vomiting, Szc. 
do hurt. Every thing that weakens the patient, or sinks the spirits, 
is to be avoided. If however the vomiting should prove violent, 
lukewarm water, or sin all posset, may be drank to cleanse the sto¬ 
mach. Afterwards the patient may take fifteen, twenty, or twen¬ 
ty-five drops of liquid laudanum in a glass of cinnamon-water. This 
may he repeated every ten or t welve boars till the symptoms abate. 

The patient may likewise take four or five of the foetid pills every 
six hours, and drink a cup of penny-royal tea after them. If asafen- 
tida should prove disagreeable, which is sometimes the case, a tea- 
spoonful of the tincture of castor in a cup of penny-royal tea, or 
thirty or forty drop? of the balsam of Peru dropped upon .a bit of 
loaf-sugar, may be taken in its stead. The anti-hysteric plaster may 
also be used, which has often a good effect*. 

The nervous colic prevails among miners, smelters o£. lead, plumb¬ 
ers, the manufacturers of white lead, &c. It. is very common in 
the cyder counties of England, and is supposed to be occasioned 
by the leaden vessels used in preparing that liquor. It is likewise 
a frequent disease in the West-Indies, where if is termed the dry 
belly-ache. 

No disease of the bowels is attended with more excruciating pain 
than this. Nor is it soon at an end. I have know n it continueeight or 
ten days with very little intermission, tlie body all the while con¬ 
tinuing bound in spite of medicine, yet at length yield, and the pa¬ 
tient recoverf. It generally however leaves the patient weak, and 
often ends in a palsey. 

The general treatment of this disease is so nearly the same with 
that of the iliac passion, or infiam'matiom of the guts, that wc shad 
pot insist upon it. The body is to be opened by mild purgatives 
given in srftall doses, and frequently repeated, and., their operation 
must be assisted by soft oily clysters, fomentations, Szc. Tliecas- 

* * See Appendix, Anti-iiysteric Piaster. 

f As the fmoke of tobacco thrown into the bowels will often procure a stool 
when all other means have failed, an apparatus for this purpofe ought to be 
kept by every furgeon. It may be purchased at a fmall expcncc, and will be 
of fervice in feveral other cafes, as the recovery of drowned perfons, Ac. 


tor 




176 INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS: 


tor oil is reckoned peculiarly proper in this disease. It may both be 
mixed with the clysters and given by the mouth*. 

The Barhadoes far is said to be an efficacious medicine in this 
complaint. It may be taken to Hie quantity of two drachms three - 
times a-day, oroftenerif the stomach will bear it. This tar, mix¬ 
ed with an equal quantity of strong rum, is likewise proper for rub¬ 
bing the spine, in case any tingling or other symptoms ol the palsy,. 
me felt. When the tar cannot be obtained, the back may be rub¬ 
bed with strong spirits, or a little oil of nutmegs, or of rosemary. 

If the patient remains weak and languid , after this disease, he 
must take exercise on horseback, and use an infusion of the Peruvi¬ 
an bark in wine. When the disease ends in a palsy, the Bath wa- 
lers are found to be extremely proper. 

To avoid this kind of colic, people must shun all sour fruits, acids,. 
and austere liquors. &c. Those who work in load ought never to go 
to their business fasting, and their should be oily or fat. They 
may take a glass of sallud oil, with a little brandy or rum, every 
morning, but should never take spirits alone. Liquid aliment is 
best for them ; as fat broths, &c. but low living is bad. They 
should frequently go a little out of the tainted air; and should never 
suffer themselves to be costive. In the West-Indies and on the 
coast of Guinea, it has been found of great use for preventing this 
colic, to wear a piece- of flannel round the waist, and to drink an 
infusion of ginger by way of tea. 

Sundry other kinds of this disease might be mentioned, but too 
many distinctions would tend only to perplex the reader. Those al¬ 
ready mentioned are the most material, and should indeed be attend¬ 
ed to, as their treatment is very different. But even persons who 
are not in a condition to distinguish very accurately in these mat¬ 
ters, may nevertheless be oi great service to patients in colics of 
every kind* by only observing the following general rules, viz. To 
bathe the feet and legs in warm water ; to apply bladders filled 
with warm water, or cloths wrung out of it, to the stomach and 
bowels; to make the patient drink freely of diluting mucilaginous 
liquors; and to give him an emollient clyster every two or three- 
hours. Should these not succeed, the patient ought to be immersed 
in warm water. 


INFLAMMATION OF TIIE KIDNEYS. 

C AUSES.--This disease may proceed from any of those causes. 

which produce an inflammatory fever. It may likewise be occasion¬ 
ed by wounds or bruises of the kidneys'; small stones or gravel; 
lodging wit hin them ; by strong diuretic medicines; as spirits of tur¬ 
pentine, tincture of cantharides, &c. Violent motion, as hard rid¬ 
ing or walking, especially m hot weather, or whatever drives the 

* The dele is from one table-fpsonful to two crthree, if neceffory to open 
the body. 


blood 



INFLAMMATION of the "KIDNEYS. 177 

blood too forcibly into the kidneys/may occasion this malady. It 
may likewise proceed from lying too soft, too much on the back, 
involuntary contractions, or spasms, in the urinary vessels, &c. 

SYMPTOMS.-There is a sharp pain about the region of the 

kidneys, with some degree of fever, and a stupor or dull pain in 
the thigh of the affected side. The urine is at first clear, and after¬ 
wards of a reddish colour ; but in the worst kind of the disease it 
generally continues pale, is passed with difficulty, and commonly in 
Small quantities at a time. The patient feels great uneasiness when 
he endeavours to walk or sit upright. He lies with most ease on the 
affected side, and has generally a Nausea or vomiting, resembling 
that which happens in the colic. 

This disease however may be distinguished from the colic by the 
pain being Seated farther back, and by the difficulty of passing urine 
with which it is constantly attended. 

REGIMEN.——Every thing of a heating or stimulating nature is 
to be avoided. The food must be thin and light; as pana- 
do, small broths, with mild vegetables, and the like. Emolli¬ 
ent and thin liqueurs must be plentifully drank; as clear whey, or 
balm-tea sweetened with- honey, decoctions of marsh-mallow roots; 
with barley and liquorice, &e. The patient, notwithstanding the 
vomiting, must constantly keep sipping small quantities of**these 
or other diluting liquors. Nothing so safely and certainly abates 
the inflammation, and expels the obstructing cause, as copious di¬ 
lution. The patient must be kept easy, quiet, and free from cold, 
as long as any symptoms cf inflammation remain. 

MEDICINE.——Bleeding is generally necessary, especially at the 
beginning. Ten or twelve ounces may be let from the arm or foot 
with a lancet, and if the pain and inflammation continue, the ope¬ 
ration may be repeated in twenty-four hours, especially if the pa¬ 
tient be of a full habit. Leeches may likewise be applied to the 
haemorrhoidal veins, as a discharge from these will greatly relieve the 
patient. 

Cloths dipped in warm water, or bladders filled with it, must be 
applied as near as possible to the part affected, and renewed as 
they grow cool. If the bladders be filled with a decoction of mallows 
and camomile flowers, to which a little saffron is added, and mixed 
with about a third part of new milk, it will be still more beneficial. 

Emollient clysters ought frequently to be administered ; and if 
these do not open the body, a little salt and honey or manna may be 
added to them. 

The same course is to be followed where gravel or stone is lodg¬ 
ed in the kidney, but when the gravel or stone is Separated froiA 
the kidney, and lodges in the Ureter*, it will be proper, besides 
the fomentations, to rub the small of the back with sweet oil, and 
to give gentle diuretics; as juniper-water, sweetened with the sy¬ 
rup of marsh-mallows : a tea-spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, 

* The ureters are too long and fmall canals, one on each fide, which car. 
ry the urine from the bafon of the kidneys to the bladder. They are iomc- 
times obftru&ed by fmall pieces of gravel falling down from the kidneys, and 
lodging in them, 

with 




17S INFLAMMATION of the BLADDER, 


with a few drops of laudanum, may now and then be put in a cupot 
tne patient's drink. He ought likewise to take exercise on horse¬ 
back, or in a carriage, if he be able to bear it. 

When the disease is protracted beyond the seventh or eighth day, 
an si the patient complains of a stupor and heaviness of the part, has 
frequent returns of chillness, shivering* &c. there is reason to sus¬ 
pect that matter is forming in the kidney, and that an abscess will 
ensue. 

When matter in the urine shews tliat art ulcer is already formed 
in the kidney, the patient must be careful to abstain from all acrid* 
sour, an 1 salted provisions, and to live chiefly upon mild mucilagi¬ 
nous herbs and fruits, together with the broth of young animals, 
made with barley, and common pot-herbs, Szc. His drink may be 
whey, and butter milk that is. not sour. I he latter is by some 
reckoned a sped Sc remedy in ulcers of the kidneys-. To answer 
this character, however, it must be drank for a considerable time. 
Chalybeate waters have likewise been found beneficial in this dis¬ 
ease. This medicine is easily obtained, as it is found in every part 
of Great Britain. It must likewise be used for a considerable time, 
in order to produce any salutary effects. 

/Fhose who are liable to frequent returns of inflammation, or ob¬ 
structions of the kidney 0 , must abstain from wines, especially such 
as abound with tartar ; and their food ought to be light, and of ea¬ 
sy digestion. They should use moderate exercise, and should not. 


lit; 


oo hot, nor too much on their back. 


INFLAMMATION of the BLADDER. 

THE inflammation of'the bladder proceeds, in a great measure, 
from the same causes as that of the kidneys. It is known by an 
acute pain towards the bottom of the belly, and difficulty of pass¬ 
ing urine, with some degree of fever, a Constant inclination to go 
to stool, and a perpetual desire to make water. 

This disease must be treated on the same principles as the one 
immediately preceding. The diet must be light and thin, and the 
drink of a cooling nature. Bleeding is very proper at the begin¬ 
ning, and in robust constitutions it will often be necessary to repeat 
it. The lower part of the belly should be fomented with warm 
water, or a decoction of mild vegetables; and emollient clysters 
ought frequently to be administered, &c. 

The patient should abstain from every thing that is of a hot, acrid 
and *tymi!ating quality, and should live entirely upon small broths, 
gruels, or mild vegetables. 

A stoppage of urine may proceed from other causes besides an 
inflammation of the bladder; as a swelling of the hrcmorrhoidal 
veins, hard faces lodged in the rectum, a stone in the bladder, ex¬ 
crescences in the urinary passages, a palsey of the bladder, hysteric 
affections, &:c. Each of these requires a particular treatment, 
which does not fall under our present consideration. We shall on¬ 
ly observe, tliat in all of them wild and gentle applications are the 

safest. 


LAMMA1 ION of the LIVER. 

safest, as strong diuretic medicines, or things of an irritating nature, 
genet ally ineiease the danger. I have known some person 1 .' kill 
then; jCi\ es by introducing probes j nto the urinary passages, to re¬ 
move, as they thought, somewhat that obstructed the discharge or 
urine, and others bring on a violent inflammation of the bladder, 
T using strong diuretics, as oil of turpentine, Szc, for that purpose. 


INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER, 


THE 


liver is less subject to inflammation than most of the other 
viscera, as in ii the circulation is slower; but when an inflam¬ 
mation does happen, it is with difficulty removed, and often ends in 
a suppuration or scirrhus. 

CAUSES.-Besides (lie common causes of inflammation, we 

may here reckon the following, viz. excessive fatness, a scirrhus 
of the liver itself, violent shocks from strong vomits when the liver 
was before unsound, an adust or airabiiiarian state of the blood, 
any thing that suddenly cools the liver after it has been greatly heat 
ed, stones obstructing the course of the bile, drinking strong wines 
and spiritous liquors, using hot spicy aliment, obstinate hypochon¬ 
driacal affections, &c. 

SYMPTOMS.-This disease is known by a painful tension of 

the right side under the faise ribs, attended with some degree of 
fever, a sense of weight or fulness of the part; difficulty of breath¬ 
ing, loathing of food, great thirst, with a pale or yellowish colour 
of the skin and eyes. 

The symptoms here are various, according to the degree of in¬ 
flammation, and likewise according to the particular part of the li¬ 
ver where the inflammation happens. Sometimes the pain is so in¬ 
considerable, that an inflammation is not so much as suspected; 
but when it happens in the upper or convex part of the liver, the 
pain is more acute, the pulse quicker, and the patient is often trou¬ 
bled with a diy cough, a hiccup, and a pain extending to the 
shoulder., with difficulty of lying on the left side, &c. 

This disease may be distinguished from the pleurisy, by the pain 
being less violent, seated under the false ribs, the pulse not so’hard, 
and by the difficulty of lying on the left side. It may be distin¬ 
guished from the hysteric and hypochondriac disorders by the de¬ 
gree of fever with which it is always attended. 

This disease, if properly treated, is seldom mortal. A constant 
hiccuping, violent fever, and excessive thirst, are bad symptoms. 
If it ends in a suppuration, and the matter cannot he discharged 
outwardly, the danger is great. When the scirrhus of the liver 
ensues, the patient, if he observes apropc;r regimen, may neverthe¬ 
less live a number of years tolerably easy; but if he indulges in ani¬ 
mal food and strong liquors, or take medicines of an acrid or irri¬ 
tating nature, the scirrhus will be converted into a cancer, which 
must infallibly prove fatal. 


REGIMEN 


-The 


e same regimen is to be observed in this as 
sorders. All hot things ans to be carefully 


in other inflammatory disorders, xmi u^l 

C c avoided. 





180 INFLAMMATION of the'LI'VeIL 


avoided, and cool diluting liquors/as “whey, barley water, &C, 
drank freely. The food must be light and thin, and the body, as 
well as the mind, kept easy and quiet. 

MEDICINE;-Bleeding is proper at the beginning of this dis¬ 


ease, and it will often be necessary, even though the pulse should 
not feel hard, to repeat it. All violent'purgatives are to be avoid¬ 
ed;. the body however must be kept gently opc-n. A decoction uf 
tamarinds, with a little honey oj; manna, will answer this purpose 


very wet} The side affected must be fomented in the manner di¬ 


rected in the foregoing 'diseases. 'Mild laxative clysters should be 
frequently administered; and, if the pain should notwithstanding con¬ 
tinue violent, a blistering plaster may be applied,over the part affect¬ 
ed ; or rather a plaster made of gum ammoniac and vinegar of squills. 

Medicines which promote the secretion of urine have a very good 
effect here. For this purpose hall a drachm of purified nitre, or a 
tea-spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, may be taken in a cup of 
the patienffs drink three or four tndes a-day. 

When there is an inclination to sweat, it ought to be promoted, 
but not by warm sudor.if.es. The only thing to be used for that 
purpose, is plenty of diluting liquors drank about the warmth of the 
human blood. Indeed the patient in this case, as well as in all other 
topical inflammations, ought to drink nothing that is colder than the 
blood. 

If the stools should be loose, and even streaked with blood, no 
means must be used to stop them, unless they be so frequent as to 
weaken the patient. Loose Stools often prove critical, and carry 
off the disease. 

If an abscess or imposthtime is 'formed in the liver, all methods 
should be tried to make it break and discharge itself outwardly, as 
fomentations, the application of poultices, ripening cataplasms, 
&e. Sometimes indeed the matter of an abscess comes away in the 
urine, and sometimes it is discharged by stool, but these are efforts 
of nature which no means can promote. When the abscess bursts 
into the cavity of the abdomen at large, death must ensue, nor will 
the event be more favourable When the abscess is opened by an in¬ 
cision, unless in cases where the liver adheres to the pentona:inn, 
so at to form a bag for the matter, and prevent it from falling into 
the cavity of the abdomen; in which case opening the abscess by a 
sutflcieiuiy large incision will probably save the patient's life*. 

It the disorder, in spite ot ad endeavours to the contrary, should 
end in a sciirhm, die patient must be careful to regulate his diet, 
&c. in such a manner as not to aggravate the disease. He must 
not indulge in flesh, hsh, strong'liquors, or any highly seasoned or 
sailed provisions; but should, for the most part, live on mild vege* 
tables, as *;Uds and roots; taking gentle exercise, and drinking 
whey, barley-water, or butter-milk, if he takes any thing stronger, 
it should be line mild ale, winch is less heating than wines or spirits! 

We shall take no notice of inflammations of the ether viscera* 




I know a gentleman who has had several a ! feeffes of tl e liver ooened 
is iiO »> m a*.d man, though above e ghty \ tars of ave 


ana 


ht y y 


age. 


They 




Of the CHOLERA MORBUS, &c. 181 

They must in general be treated upon the same principles, as those 
already mentioned. The chief rule with respect to all of them, is 
to let blood, to avoid every thing that is strong, or of a heating na¬ 
ture, to apply warm fomentations to the part affected, and to cause 
the patient to drink a sufficient quantity of warm diluting liquors. 


c H A P, XXXI 


OF THE CHOLERA MORBUS, AND OTHER 
EXCESSIVE DISCHARGES FROM THE 
STOMACH AND BOWELS 


T HE cholera morbils is a violent purging and vomiting, .attended 
with gripes, sickness, and a constant desire to go to stool. It 
comes on suddenly, and is most common in autumn. There is hard¬ 
ly any disease that kills more quickly than this, when proper means 
are not used in due time for .removing it. 

CAUSES.——It is occasioned by a redundancy and putrid acri¬ 
mony of the bile ; cold ; food that easily turns rancid or sour on 
the stomach ; as butter, bacon,, sweet-meats, cucumbers, melons, 
cherries, and other coki fruits It is sometimes the effect of strong 
'acrid purges or vomits., or of poisonous substances taken into the 
stomach. It may likewise proceed from violent passions or affec¬ 
tions of the mind ; as fear, anger, &c» 

SYMPTOMS.-It is generally preceded by a cardialgia, or 

heart-burn, sour belchings, and flatulencies, with pain of the stomach 
and intestines. To these succeed excessive vomiting and purging of 
green, yellow, or blackish coloured bile, with a distension of the 
stomach, and violent griping pains. There is likewise a great thirst, 
■with a very quick unequal pulse, and often a fixed acute pain about 
the region* of the, navel. As the disease advances, the pulse often 
sinks so low as to become quite imperceptible, the extremities grow 
cold or cramped, and are often covered with a clammy sweat, the 
urine is obstructed, and there is a palpitation of thejieart. Violent 
hiccuping,fanting, and convulsions, are the signs of approaching death. 

MEDICINE, -At,.{he beginning of this disease, the efforts of 

Nature to expel the offending cause should be assisted, by promot¬ 
ing the purging and vomiting* For this purpose the patient must 
drink freely of diluting liquors ; as whey, butter-milk, warm wa¬ 
ter, thin water-gruel, small posset, or, what is perhaps preferable 
to any of them, very weak chicken broth.. This should not only 
be drank plentifully to promote the vomiting, but a clyster of it 
given every hour in order to promote the. purging. 

After these evacuations have been continued for some time,, a de 
coction of toasted oat-breadmay bedrankto stop the vomiting. The 

* I have been twice brpught to the gates of death by. tins diseafe, and 
both times it wasoccahoned by eating rancid bacon. 


bread 






182 Of a DIARRUCEA, or LOOSENESS. 


bread should be toasted till it is of a brown colour* and afterwards 
boiled in spring water. If oat-bread cannot be. had* wheat-bremfo 
or oat-meal well toasted, may be used in its stead. U this does roi 
put a stop to the vomiting, two table-spoon! tils, ol the saline julep, 
with ten drops of laudanum, may be taken er\ hour tiltit ceases. 

The vomiting and purging howeverought never to be stopped too. 
soon. As long as these discharges do not weaken the patient, time 
are salutary, and may be allowed to go on, or rather ought .o be 
promoted. But when the patient is weakened by the evacuation** 
"which may he known from the sinking of his pulse, &c. recourse 
must immediately be had to opiates, as recommended above * to 
which may be added strong wines, with spirituous cinnang n watc rs,. 
and other generous cordials. Warm negus, or strong wine -whey, 
will likewise be necessary to support the, patient’s spirits, and pro-, 
mote the perspiration. IIis legs should be bathed in warm water, 
and afterwards rubbed with flannel cloths, or wrapped in warm 
blankets, and warm bricks applied to the soles of his idee. Finn 
^ejswrung out of warm spirituous fomentations should likewise be 
be applied to the region of the stomach. 

When the violence of the disease is over, to prevent a relapse, it 
will be necessary for some time to continue the use of small doses of 
laudanum. Ten or twelve drops may be taken in a glass of wine* 
at least twice a-day, for eight or ten days. The patient’s food ought 
to be nourishing, but taken in small quantities, and he should use 
moderate exercise. As the stomach and intestines are generally 
much weakened, an infusion of the bark, or other bitters, in smalt 
wine, sharpened with the elixir of vitriol, may be chunk for some time. 

Though physicians are seldom called in due time in this disease, they 
ought not to despair of relieving the patient even in the most despe^ 
rate circumstances. Of this 1 lately savy a very striking proof in 
an old man and his son, who had been both seized with it about the 
middle of the nig^t. I did not see them till next morning, when 
they had much more the appearance of dead than of living man. 
No pulse could be felt; the extremities were cold ami rigid, the 
countenance was ghastly, and the strength almost quite exhausted. 
Yet born this deplorable condition they were both recovered bv the 
use of opiates and, cordial medicines. 

Of a DIARRRCEA, or LOOSENERS. 


A LOOSENESS, it many cases, is not to be considered as adi>~ 
ease, but rather as a salutary evacuation. It ought therefore never? 
to be stopped, unless when it continues too long, or evidently weak¬ 
ens the patient. As this however sometimes happens, we shall point 
out the most common causes of a looseness, with the proper method 
of treatment. 

Whei\a looseness is occasioned by catching cold, or an obstruct-, 
od perspiration, the patient ought to keep warm, to drink free I v of 

in luke-> 
w£im 


vycajg diluting liquors, tt* bathe his reel and legs, trqqiientlv 




Of a DIARRHOEA, cr LOOSENESS. iSS 

warm wafer, to wear flannel next his skin, and to take every other 
method to restore the perspiration. 

In a looseness which proceeds from excess or repletion, a vomit 
is the proper medicine. Vomits not only cleanse ihesromach, but 
riomote all the secretions, which renders them of great importance 
in carry ing off a debauch. Half a drachm of ipecacuanha m pow¬ 
der will answer this purpose very well. A day or two after the vo¬ 
mit, the same quantity of rhubarb may be taken, and repeated two 

three times, if the looseness continues. The patient ought to 
live upon light vegetable food of easy digestion, and to drink, whey, 
thin gruel, or barley-water. 

A looseness occasioned by the obstruction of any customary eva¬ 
cuation, generally requires bleeding. If that does not succeed, 
mother evacuations may be substituted in the room of those which are 
obstructed. At the same time, every method is to be taken to re¬ 
store the usual discharges, as not only the cure of the disease, but 
'the patient’s life, may depend on this. 

A periodical looseness ought never to be stopped. It is always 
un effort of Nature to carry off some offending matter, which, if 
retained in the body, might have fatal effects. Children are very 
liable to this kind of looseness, especially while teething. It is 
however so far from being hurtful to them, thatsuch children gene¬ 
ral!) get their teeth with least trouble. If these loose stools should 
at any iiipe prove sour or griping, a tea-spoonful of magnesia alba, 
with four or five grains of rhuh&rfy, may be given to the child in a 
little panado, or any other food. This, if repeated three or four 
times, will generally correct the acidity, and carry off the griping 
stools 

A diarrhoea, or looseness, winch proceeds from violent passions or 
affections of the mind, must be treated with the greatest caution. 
Vomits in this case are highly improper. Nor are purges safe, un¬ 
less they be very mild, and given in small quantities. Opiates, and 
other aniispasmodic medicines, are most proper. Ten or twelve 
drops of liquid laudanum may be taken in a cup of valerian or pen- 
ny-rovai lea every eight or ten hours, till the symptoms abate. Ease, 
chearfulness, and tranquillity of mind are hereof the greatest import¬ 
ance. 

When a looseness proceeds from acrid or poisonous substances ta¬ 
ken into the stomach, the patient must drink large quantities of di- 
luting liquors, with oil or fat broths, to promote vomiting and purg¬ 
ing. Afterwards, if there be reason to suspect that the bowels are 
inflamed, bleeding will be necessary. Small clones of laudanum 
mav likewise be taken to remove their irritation. 

When the gout, repelled from the extremities, occasions a Too'-as 
nr s, it ought to be promoted by gentle doses of rhubarb, or other 
mild purgatives. The gouty matter is likewise to be solicited to¬ 
wards the extremities by warm fomentations, cataplasms, &c. Th« 
perspiration ought at the same time to be promoted by warm dilut¬ 
ing liquors; as wine-whey with spirits of hartshorn, or a few drops 
pf liquid laudanum, in it. 


When 


m: O F V O M I TI N.G. 

When a loosenesss proceeds from Worms, which may heknowftr 
from the sliminess of the stools, mixed with pieces of decayed wormsj, 
See. medicines must be given to kill and carry oft these vermin, as 
the powder cf tin with purges of rhubarb and calomel. Afterwards^, 
lime-water, either alone, or with a small quantity of rhubarb infus¬ 
ed, will be proper to strengthen the bowels, and prevent the new.;-, 
generation of worms 

A looseness is often occasioned by drinking bad water. W hen - 
this is the case, the disease generally proves epidemical. When 
there is reason to believe that this or any other disease proceeds from 
the use of unwholesome water, it ought immediately to he changed, 
•or, if that cannot be done, it may be corrected by mixing with it 
quick lime, chalk, or the like. 

In people whose stomachs are weak, violent exercise immediately 
after eating will occasion a looseness. Though the cure of-this is 
obvious, yet it will be proper, besides avoiding violent exercise, to 
use such medicines as tend to brace and strengthen the stomach, as 
infusions of the bark, with other bitter and astringent ingredients, 
in white' wine. Such persons ought likewise to take frequently a 
glass or two of old red port, or good claret. 

From whatever cause a loosejfess proceeds, when it is found ne¬ 
cessary to check it, the diet ought to consist of rice boiled with milk, 
and flavoured with cinnamon; rice-jelly, sago with red port; and the 
lighter sorts of flesh-meat roasted. The drink may be thin water- 
gruel, rice-water, or weak broth made from lean veal, or wilffa 
sheep’s head, as being more gelatinous than mutton, beef, or chick¬ 
en-broth. 

Persons who, from a peculiar weakness, or too great an irritabili¬ 
ty of the bowels, are liable to frequent returns of this disease, 
should live temperately, avoiding crude summer fruits, all unwhole¬ 
some foods, and meats of hard digestion. They ought likewise to 
beware of cold, moisture, or whatever may obstruct the perspira-- 
tion, and should wear flannel next the skin. All violent passions, as. 
tear, anger, &c. are likewise carefully to be guarded against, 

OF VOHITIN G. 

VOMITING may proceed from various causes ; as excess in 
rating and drinking ; foulness of the stomach ; the acrimony of the 
al ment; a translation of the morbific matter of ulcers, of the gout, 
tiic erysipelas, or other diseases, to the stomach.. It may likewise 
proceed from a looseness having been too suddenly stopped ; from 
.the stoppage of any customary evacuation, as the bleeding piles, 
the memes, Szc. from a weakness of the stomach, the colic, the 
.iliac passion, a rupture, a fit of the gravel, worms; or from any 
kind of poison taken into the stomach. It is an usual symptom of 
injuries done to the brain ; as contusions, compressions/&c. It is 
likewise a symptom of wounds or inflammations of the diaphragm* 
intestines, spleen, liver, kidneys, &e. 

Vomiting 


t) F. V O M I T I ft G. 183 

Vomiting may be occasioned by unusual motions, a? sailing, being 
'drawn backwards in a carriage. Sic. It may likewise be excited by 
•violent passions, or by the idea of'nauseous or disagreeable objects, 
especially of such things as have formerly produced vomiting. 
Sometimes it proceeds from a regurgitation of ihe bile into the sto¬ 
mach : in this case, what the patient vomits is generally of a ycl- 
>!ow or greenish colour, and has a bitter taste. Persons who are 
subject to jiervous affections are often suddenly seized with violent 
-fits of vomiting. Lastly, vomiting is a common symptom of preg¬ 
nancy. In this case it generally comes on about two weeks after 
the stoppage of the menses, and continues during the first three or 
' four months. c. 

When vomiting proceeds from a foul stomach or indigestion, it is 
wot to be considered as a disease, but as the cure of a disease. It 
ought therefore to be promoted by drinking lukewarm water, or 
•thin gruel. If this dees not put a stop lo the vomiting, a dose 
of ipecacuanha may-be taken^ and worked, off with weak camomiie- 
Tea. 

When the retrocession of the gout, or the obstruction of customary 
'•evacuations, occasion vomiting, all means must be used to restore 
•fchese discharges ; or, if that cannot be effected, their place must 
be supplied by others, asLleeding, purging, bathing the extremi¬ 
ties in warm wa*er, opening issues, setons, perpetual blisters, &e. 

When vomiting is the effect of pregnancy, it may generally be 
mitigated by bleeding, and keeping the body gently open. The 
bleeding however Ought fo be in small quantities at a time, and the 
purgatives should be of the mildest kind, as figs, stewed prunes, man¬ 
na, or senna. Pregnant women are most apt to vomit in the morn¬ 
ing immediately after getting out of bed, which is owing partly to 
the change of posture, but more to the emptiness of the stomach. 
It may generally be prevented by finking a dish of coffee, tea, or 
some light breakfast in bed. Pregnant women who are afflicted 
with vomiting, ought to be kept easy both in body and mind. They 
should neither allow their stomachs to be quite empty, nor should 
they eat much at once. Cold water is a very proper drink in thii 
case ; if the stomach be weak, a little brandy may be added to it. 
If the spirits are low, and the person apt to faint, a spoonful ot 
cinnamon-water, with a little marmalade of quinces or oranges, 
may be taken. 

If vomiting proceeds from weakness of the stomach, bitters will 
be of service. Peruvian bark infused in wine or brandy, with as 
much rhubarb as will keep the body gently open, is an excellent 
medicine in this case. The elixir of vitriol is also a good medicine. 
It may betaken in the dose of fifteen or twenty drops, twice or 
thrice a-day, in a glass of wine or water. Habitual vomitings are 
sometimes alleviated by making oysters a principal part of diet. 

A vomiting which proceeds from acidities in the stomach, is re¬ 
lieved by alkaline purges. The best medicine of this kind is the 
magnesia alba, a tea-spoonful of which may be taken in a dish of 
tea or a little milk, three or feur times anday, or offerer if necessa¬ 
ry, to keep the body open. 


When 


When, vomiting proceeds from violent passions, or affections of 
the mind, all evacuants must be carefully avoided, especially vo¬ 
mits. These are exceedingly dangerous.- The patient in this case 
ought to be kept perfectly easy and quiet, to have the mind soothed, 
and to take some gentle cordial, as negus, or a little brandy and wa¬ 
ter, to which a few drops of laudanum may occasionally he added. 

When vomiting proceeds from spasmodic affections of the sto¬ 
mach, musk, castor, and other antispasmodic medicines are of Use- 
Warm and aromatic plasters have likewise a good effect. The 
stomach-plaster of the London or Edinburgh dispensatory may be 
applied to the pit of the stomach, or a plaster of theriaca, which 
will answer rather better. Aromatic medicines may likewise be 
taken inwardly, as cinnamon or mint tea, wine with spiceries boil¬ 
ed in it, &:c. The region of the stomach may be rubbed with aether, 
or, if that cannot be had, with strong brandy, or other*, spirits. 
The belly should Ire fomented with warm w r ater, or the patient im¬ 
mersed up to the breast in a warm bath. 

I have always found the saline draughts taken in the act of ef¬ 
fervescence, of singular use in stopping a vomiting, from whatever 
cause it proceeded. These may be prepared by dissolving a drachm 
of the salt; of tartar in an.ounce and half of fresh lemon juice, and 
adding to it an ounce of pepper-mint water, the same quantity of 
simple cinnamon water, and a little white sugar. This draught 
must be swallowed before the effervescence is quite over, dnd may 
be repeated every two hours, or oftener, if the vomiting be violent. 
A violent vomiting has sometimes been stopped by cupping on the 
region of the stomach after all other means had failed, 

As the least motion will often tiring on the vomiting again, even 
alter it has been stopped, the patient must avoid all manner of ac- 
1mm The diet must be so regulated as to sit easy upon the stom¬ 
ach, and nothing should be taken that is hard of digestion. We do 
not however mean that the patient should live entirely upon slops. 
Solid food, in this case, often sits easier on the stomach than li¬ 
quids'. 


CHAP. XXXII. 

OF THE DIABETES, AND OTHER DISOR 
DERS of the KIDNEYS and BLADDER. 


T HE diabetes is a frequent and excessive discharge of urine. Il 
is seldom to be met with among young people ; but often at¬ 
tacks persons in the decline of life, especially,those who follow the 
more violent employments, or have been .hard drinkers in theii 
youth. 

CAUSES.-A diabetes is often the consequence of acute dis¬ 

eases, as fevers, fluxes, &c. where the patient has suffered by ex¬ 
cessive evacuations; it may also be occasioned by great fatigue. 









187 


OF A DI ABETE S 3 &c. 


*s.s riding long journies upon a hard trotting horse, carrying heavy- 
burdens, running, &c.' It may be broiVghcon by hard drinking, or 
'the use of strong stimulating diuretic medicines, as tincture ofcan- 
vtharidesy spirits ot turpentine, and such like. It is often the effect 
of drinking too great quantities of mineral waters. Many imagine 
that these will do them no service unless they be drank in great 
quantities, by which mistake it often happens that they occasion 
worse diseases than those they were intended to cure. In a words 
this disease may either proceed from too great a laxity of the organ, 
which secrete the urine, from something that stimulates the kidneys 
too much, or from a thin dissolved state of the blood, which 
makes too great a quantity of It run off’by the urinary passages. 

SYMPTOMS.-In a diabetes, the urine generally exceeds in 

quantity all the liquid food which the patient takes. It is thin and 
pale, ot a sweetish taste, and an agreeable smell. The patient has 
a continual thirst, with some degree of lever ; his month is dry, and 
he spits frequently a frothy spittle. The strength fails, the appetite 
decays, and the flesh wastes away till the patient is reduced to .skin 
and bone.- There is a heat of the bowels; and frequently the loins, 
testicles, and feet are swelled. 

v This disease may.generally be cured at the beginning; but after 
it has continued long, the cure becomes very difficult. In drunkards, 
and very old people, a perfect cure is not to be expected. 

.REGIMEN.-Every thing that stimulates- the urinary passa¬ 

ges, or tends to relax the habit, must be avoided. For this reason 
the patient should live chiefly on solid food. His thirst may be 
quenched with acids: as sorrel, juice of lemon, or vinegar. The 
mucilaginous vegetables, as rice, sago, and Salop, with milk, are 
the most proper food.- Of animal substances, shell-fish are to be 
preferred; as oysters, crabs, &c. y > 

The drink may be Rristoi-water. ' Whetl that Cannot be obtain¬ 
ed, lime water, in which a due proportion of oak-bark has been 
macerated, may be used. The white decoction*, with isinglass 
dissolved in it,- is likewise a very proper drink. 

The patient'ought daily to take exercise, but it should be so gen¬ 
tle as not to fatigue him. He should lie upon a hard bed or mat¬ 
rass. Nothing hurts the kidneys more than lying too so 17. A warm 
dry air, the use of the flesh-brush, and every thing that promotes 
perspiration, is of service, "For this reason the patient'ought to 
wear flannel next his skin. A large srengtbening plaster may be ap¬ 
plied to the back ; or, what will answer better, a great part of the 
bodv may be-wrapped in piaster. 

MEDICINE.—*—-Gentle purges, if the patient be not too much 
weakened by the disease, have a good effect. They may consist of 
rhubarb, with cardamum seeds, or any other spiceries, infused in 
wine, and may be taken in such quantities as to keep the body gent¬ 
ly open. 

The patient must next have recourse to astringents and corrobo¬ 
rants. Half a drachm of powder made of equal parts of alluin 


See Appendix, White Decocttox. 

D d 


v 


and 





188 OF A SUPPRESSION OF URINE, 


and the inspissated juice commonly called Terra Japonica, 
taken four times a-duy, or oftener, if (he stomach will bear it. .The 
allum must first be melted in a crucible j afterwards they may both 
he pounded together. Along with every dose of this powder the 
patient may take a tea-cupful of the tincture of roses*. 

If the patient’s stomach cannot bear the ailum in substance, whey 
may be made of it, and taken in the dose of a tea-cupful three or 
four times a-day. The allum-whev is prepared by boiling two Eng¬ 
lish quarts of milk over a slow fire, with three drachms 6f allum, 
till the citrd separates. 

Opiates are of service in this disease, even though the patient 
rests well. They tal e off spasm and irritation, and at the same time 
lessen the force of the circulation. Tenor twelve drops of liquid 
laudanum may be taken in a cup of the patient’s drink three or four 
times a-dav. 

The best corroborants which We knew, are the Peruvian bark 
and wine. A drachm of hark may be taken in a glass of red port bi* 
claret three times a-duy. The medicine will be both more efficaci¬ 
ous and less disagreeable, if fifteen or twenty drops of the acid 
elixir of vitriol be added to each dose. Siitii as cannot take the 
baik in substance may use the decioction, mixed with an ecpial quan¬ 
tity of red wine, and sharpened as above. 

Then' h a dis'eas.e incident to labouring people in the decline of 
life, called an INGONTINMfWY of Urine. But this is very dif¬ 
ferent from a diabetes, as the water passes off involuntarily by drops, 
and does not exceed the usual quantity. This disease is rather 
troublesome than dangerous It is owing to a relaxation, of the 
sphincter of the bladder, and is often the effect of it palsy. Some¬ 
times it proceeds from hurts, or injuries occasioned by blows, bruises, 
preternatural labours, &c. Sometimes it is the effect of a fever; 
It may likewise be occasioned by a long ure of strong diuretics, or 
os' si iimi!ating medicines injected into the bladder. 

This disease may be mitigated by the use of astringent and cor¬ 
roborating medicines, such as have been mentioned above.; but we 
do not remember ever to have seen it cured. 

In an incontinency of urine, from whatever cause, a piece of 
sponge ought to be worn, or a bladder applied in such a manner as 
to prevent live urine from galling and excoriating the parts f. 


OF A SUPPRESSION OF URINE. 

IT lias already been observed, that a suppressions of urine may 
proceed from various causes ; as an inflammation of the kidnevs, 
or bladder ; small .stones or gravel lodging in the urinary passages, 
har djk'ce-s lying in the rectum, pregnancy, a spasm or contraction of 

Sect Appendix, Ti'-'ctukeof Roses. 
t A bottle made cf he India, rubber, and properly applied, anivvers this 
pefe bePx 

tke 











OF THE GRAVEL AND STONE. Ui9 

% 

rjienfcck of the bladder, clotted blood in the bladder itself, a swel* 
ling of the hemorrhoidal veins, &c. 

vSome of these cases require the catheter, both tp remove the ob¬ 
structing ciatter, and to draw off the urine ; but as this instrument 
can only be managed with safety by persons shilled in surgery, 
we shall say nothing further of its use. A bougee may be used 
by any cautious hand, and will often succeed better than the cathe¬ 
ter. ‘ -- 

We would chiefly recommend, in all obstructions of urine, fo¬ 
mentations and evacuants. Bleeding,as far as the patient’s strength 
will permit, is necessary, especially where there ore symptoms of 
topical inflammation. Bleeding in this case not only abates the fe¬ 
ver, by lessening the force of the circulation, but, by relaxing (he 
solids, it takes off the spasmor stricture upon the vessels which oc¬ 
casioned the obstruction. 

After bleeding, fomentations must be used. T-hese may either 
consist of warm water alone, or of decoctions of mild vegetables; 
as mallows, chamomile-flowers, 8zc. Cloths dipped in these may 
either be applied to the part affected, or a large bladder filled with 
the decoction may be kept continually upon, it. Some put the herbs 
themselves into a flannel-bag, and apply them to the part, which is 
far from being a bad method. These com inue longer warm than 
cloths dipped in the decoction, and at the same time keep the part 
equally moist. 

in all obstructions of urine, the body ought to be kept open. This 
is not however to be attempted by strong purgatives, but by emol¬ 
lient clysters, or gentle infusions of senna and manna. Clysters in 
this case not only, open the body, but answer the purpose of an in¬ 
ternal fermentation, and greatly^asslst in removing the spasms of the 
bladder and parts adjacent:" 

The food must be light, and taken in small quantities. The drink 
may be weak broth, or decoctions and infusions of mucilaginous 
vegetables, as marsh-mallow roots, lime-tree buds, &c. A tea- 
spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, or a drachm of Castile soap, 
may be frequently put into.the patient’s drink-; and, if there be no 
inflammation, he may drink small gin-punch. 

Persons subject to a suppression of urine ought to live very tempe¬ 
rate. Their diet should Be light, anddheir liquor diluting. They 
should avoid all acids and austere wines, should take sufficient ex¬ 
ercise, lie hard/'^nd avoid study and sedentary .occupations, 

OF THE GRAVEL AND STONE, 

WHEN, small stones are lodged in the kidneys, or discharged 
along with the urine, the patient is said to be afflicted with the gra¬ 
vel. If one of these stones happens to make a lodgment in the blad¬ 
der for some time, it accumulates fresh matter, and at length be¬ 
comes too large to pass off with the urine. In this case the patient 
is said to have the stone. 


CAUSES. 


190 OF THE GRAVEL AND STONE. 


-The stone and gravel may be occasioned by high 


CAUSES.- .... 

living ; the use of strong astringent wines ; a sedentary live; lying’* 


too hot, soft, or too much on the back ; the constant use of water 
impregnated with earthy or stony particles ; aliments of an astrin¬ 
gent, or windy nature, &x. It may. likewise proceed bom an heredi¬ 
tary disposition. Persons in the decline cf life, and those wno har e 
been much.afflicted with the gout or rheumatism, are most liable to 

it, • ; . 

SYMPTOMS.-'Small stones or gravel in the kidney s occasion 


pain in the loin; sickness; vomiting; and sometimes bloody urine. 
When the stone descends into the ureter, and is too large to pass 
along with ease, all the above symptoms are increased ; the pain ex¬ 
tends towards the bladder; the thigh and leg of the affected side-* 
a$e benumbed; the testicles are drawn upwards, and the urine is 
obstructed. 

A stone in the bladder isknown from a pain, at the time, as well 
as before and after making water; from the urine coming away by 
drops, or stopping suddenly when if was running in a full stream; 
by a violent pain in the neck of the,bladder upon motion, especial¬ 
ly on horseback, or in a carriage .on a rough road ; from a white, 
thick,. copious, stinking, mucous sediment -in the unne,.; from an 
itching in the tap of the penis; from bloody urine ; from an inclina¬ 
tion to go -to’: stool during the, discharge of 'urine; from the patient’s 
passing his urine more easily when lying than in an erect posture ; 
from a kind of convulsive motion occasioned by the sharp pain in dis- v 
charging the last drops of the urine ; and lastly, from sounding or 


searching with the catheter 


REGIMEN.—-— Persons afflicted with the gravel or stone should 


wat 


ley, liquorice, or of other mild mucilaginous vegetables, as linseed, 
lime-tree buds or leaves, &c. If the patiejit has been accustomed 
io i generous liquors, he may drink gin and water not too strong. 

- Gentle .exercise is proper; but violent motion is apt to occasion 
bloody urine. We would therefore advise that it should be taken in 
moderation. Persons afflicted with gravel often pass a great number 
of stones after riding on horseback, or in a carriage ; but those who 
have a stone in the bladder are seldom able-to bear these kinds of 
exercise. Where there is a hereditary tendency to this disease a se¬ 
dentary life ought never to be indulged. Were people careful, up¬ 
on the first symptoms of gravel, to observe a proper regimen of diet, 
and to take sufficient exercise, it might often be carried off, or at least 
prevented from increasing ; but if the same course which occasion¬ 
ed the diocase is persisted in, it must be aggravated. 
a • ,t; .. ^ , L MEDICINE. 




avoid aliments of a windy or heating nature, as salt meats, sour 
fruits, Szc. Their djet ought chiefly to consist of such things as 
tend to promote the. secretion of urine, and to keep the body open. 
Artichokes, asparagus, spinnage, lettuce, parsley, succory, purslane, 
turnips, ,potatoes, carrots, and radishes* may be safely eaten. On¬ 
ions, leeks, and cellery are, in this case, reckoned medicinal. The 
most proper drinks, are w hey, butter-milk, milk and w ater, barley- 
decoctions or infusions of the foots of marsh-mallows, pars- 







OF 'HIE' GRAVEL AND STONE. isl 

MEDICINE.-In what is called a fit of the grave!, which is 

commonly occasioned by a stone sticking in the ureter or some part 
of the urinary passages, the patient must be bled, warm fomentations- 
should likewise he applied to the part affected, emollient clysters*, 
administered, and diluting mucilaginous liquors drank, Size. The 4 
treatment of this case lias been fully pointed out under the articles, 
inflammation of the kidneys <+nd bladder, to which we refer. 

Dr. Whyte advises patients who are subject to. frequent fits of 
gravel in the kidneys, but have no stone in the bladder, to drink 
every morning, two or three hours before breakfast, an English * 
pint of oyster or cockle-shell lime-water. The Doctor very justly 
observes, that though this quantity might be too small to have an v 
sensible effect in dissolving a stone m the.bladder, yet it may very 
probably prevent its grow th. 

When a stone is formed in the bladder, the Doctor recommends 
Alieant soap, and oyster or cockle-shell lime-water to !>e taken 
in the following manner: The patient must swallow every clay, in 
any form that is least disagreeable, an ounce of the internal part 
pi Alieant soap, and drink three or four English pints of ovstcror 
cockle-shell lime-water. The soap is to be divided into three do¬ 
ses ; the largest to be taken fasting in the morning early ; {he se¬ 
cond at noon ; and the third at seven in the evening ; drinking above 
each dose a larsre draught of the lime-water : the remainder of which T 

O O J 

life .-may take any time betwixt dinner and supper, instead of other 
iiqnors. 

% 1 he patient should begin with a smaller quantity of the linn wa¬ 
ter and soap than that mentioned above; at first an Er.gibh pint qf 
the former, add three drachms of the latter, ma\ be taken dailv. 
T1 lis quantity, however, he may increase by degrees, and ought to 
persevere in the use of these medicines, especially if lie finds any 
abatement of his complaints, tor several months; nay,, if the stone 
be very large, for years. It may likewise be proper for the patient, 
if he be severely pained, not only to begin with the soap and lime- 
water in small quantities, but to lake tire second or third lime-water 
instead of the first. However, after he lias been tor some time ac¬ 
customed to these medicines, he may not only take the first water, 
but, if he finds he can easily bear it, heighten its dissolving power 
still more by pouring it a second time on fresh calcined shells 

The caustic alkah, or soap lee- is the medicine chiefly in vogue 
-at present for the stone. It is of a very acrid nature, and ought 
therefore to be given in some gelatinous or mucilaginous liquor; as 
veal-broth, new milk, linseed-tea, a solution of gumarabic, or a de¬ 
coction of marsh-mallow roots'’. The patient must begin with small 
doses of the lees, as thirty or forty drops, and increase by degrees, 
as far as the stomach can bear it f. 


* See Appendix, Lime-water. 

f The cauftic alkali may be prepared by mixing two parts of quick-lime 
with one cf pot-aflies, and buffering them toftand till the lixivium be form¬ 
ed, which muft be carefully filtrated before it be ufed. If the folution does 
not happen readily, a final! quantity of water may be. added to the mixture. 


Though 



ido: INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES* 

:■ *V> r-' 

/A ^ >- - •• . ' 

Though the soap-lees and lime-water are the most powerful medi¬ 
cines which have hitherto been discovered for the stone ; yet there : 
are some things of a more simple nature, which in certain cases 
are found to be beneficial, and therefore deserve a trial. An infu¬ 
sion of the seeds of daiicussylvestris, or wild carrot, sweetened with 
honey, has been found to give considerable ease in cases where the 
stomach could not bear anything of an acrid nature. A decoction 
r*f raw coffiee-ffierries, taken morning and evening, to the quantity 
of eight or ten ounces, with ten drops of sweet spirit of nitre, has 
likewise been found very efficacious in bringing away large quanti¬ 
ties of earthy matter in flakes. Honey is likewise found to be of 
considerable service, and may be taken in gruel, or in any other 
form that is more agreeable. 

The only other medicine which we shall mention is the uva arsi , 
It has been greatlv extolled of late both for the gravel and stone. 
It seems however to be in all respects inferior to the soap and lime- 
water; but it is less disagreeable, and has frequently to my know¬ 
ledge, relieved gravelly complaints. It is generally taken in powder 
from half a drachm to a whole drachm, two or three times a day. 
It may however be taken to the quantity of seven or eight drachms 
a-dav, with great safety and good effect. 


CHAP. XXXIIXs 

•v . A. V; 

OF INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES 

OF BLOOD. 

S PONTANEOUS or involuntary discharges of blood often hap¬ 
pen from various parts of the body. These, however, are so " 
far from being always dangerous, that they often prove salutary. 
When such discharges are critical, which is frequently the case in 
fevers, they ought not to be stopped. Nor indeed is it proper at 
any time to stop them, unless they be so great as to endanger the 
patient's life. Most people, afraid of the smallest discharge of 
biood from any part of the body, fly immediately to the use of 
styptic and astringent medicines, by which means an inflammation 
of the brain, or some other fatal disease, is occasioned, which, had 
the discharge been allowed to go on, might have been prevented. ' 
Periodical discharges of blood, from whatever part of the bod^ 
they proceed, must not be stopped. They are always the efforts of 
Nature to relieve herself; and fatal diseases have often been the 
consequence of obstructing them. It may indeed be sometimes ne¬ 
cessary to check the violence of such discharges; but even this re¬ 
quires the greatest, caution. Instances .might be given where the 
stopping of a small periodical flux of bio,od, from one of the fingers, 
has proved fatal to the health, 

la 






OF BLOOD. 

In the early period of life, bleeding at the tiese is very ecmmon. 
Those who are farther advanced in years are more liable to hie mop- 
toe, or discharge of blood from the lungs. After the middle period 
, of life, hxmorrhoidal fluxes are most common ; and in the decline 
of life, discharges of blood from the urinary passages. 

Involuntary fluxes of blood may proceed from v'ory different, and 
often quite opposite causes. Sometimes they are owing to a parti* 
cularr construction of the body, as a sanguine temperament, a laxafy 
of the vessels, a plethoric habit, &c. At other times they proceed 
from a determination of the blood towards one particular part, as 
the head, the hxmorrhoidal Veins, &c. They may likewise proceed 
from an inflammatory disposition of the blood, in which case there 
is generally some degree Of fever: this likewise happens when the 
flux is occasioned by an obstructed perspiration, or a stricture upon 
'the skin, the bowels, or any particular part of the system. 

But a dissolved state of the blood will likewise occasion hxmor- 
rhages. Thus, in putrid fevers, the dyssentery, the scurvy, the ma¬ 
lignant small-pox, &c. there are often very great discharges of blood 
from different parts of the body.. They may likewise be brought 
on by loo liberal an use of medicine, which tend to dissolve the 
blood, as eantharides, the volatile alkaline salts, &c. Food of an 
acrid or irritating quality may likewise occasion hxmorrhages; as 
also strong purges and vomits, or any thing that greatly stimulates 
the bowels. 

Violent passions or agitations of the mind will likewise have this 
effect. These often cause bleeding at the nose, and I have known 
them sometimes occasion an hxmorrhage in the biain. Violent ef¬ 
forts of the body, by overstraining or hurting the vessels, may have * 
the .same effect, especially when the body is long kept in an unna¬ 
tural posture, as hanging the head very low, &c. 

The cure,of an hxmorrhage must be adapted to its cause. When 
it proceeds from too much blood, or a tendency to inflammation, 
bleeding, w'ith gentle purges and other evacuations, will be neces- ’ 
sary. It will likewise be proper for the patient in this case to live 
chiefly upon a vegetable diet, to avoid all strong liquors, and food 
that is of an acrid, hot, or stimulating quality. The body should be 
kept cool* and the mind easy , 

When an hxmorrhage is owing to a putrid or dissolved state of 
the blood, the patient ought to live chiefly upon acid fruits with 
milk, and vegetables of a nourishing nature, as sago, salop, 

His drink may b's wine diluted with water, and sharpened with the 
Juice of lemon, vinegar, or spirits of vitriol. The best medicine 
in this case is the Peruvian bark, which may be taken according 
the urgency of the symptoms. 

When a flux’of blood is the effect of acrid food, or of strong sti¬ 
mulating medicines, the cure is to be effected by soft and mucila¬ 
ginous diet. The patient may likewise take frequently about the 
bulk of a nutmeg of Locatelli’s balsam, or the same quantity © 
-permaeeti. 

When an obstructed perspiration, ora stricture upon any part o 
' -'4 system, Is the cause of ah hxmorrhage) it may be removed by 

drinlwpg 




■> * 0 

If) 4 


OF BLEEDING AT THE NOSE. 


\ . * * 

drinking warm diluting liquors, lying a-bcd, bathing the extremi¬ 
ties in warm water, &o. 

d'F BLEEDING AT THE NOSE. 

•_ t; ■*■••• * 

BLEEDING at (lie nose is commonly preceded by som- degree of 
quickness of the pulse, flushing in fhe face, pulsation of the tem¬ 
poral arseries heaviness in the head, dimness of the sight, heat and 
itching of the nostrils, &c. 

To persons who abound with blood this discharge is very saluta¬ 
ry, It often cures a. vertigo, the head-ach, a phrenzy, and even 
■an epilepsv. In fevers, where there is a great determination of 
blood towards the head, it i* of the utmost service. It is likewise 
beneficial m inflammations o’t the liver and spleen, and often in the 
gout and rheumatism. . In all diseases where bleeding is necessary, a 
.spontaneous discharge of blood from the nose is of much more ser? 
vice than the same quantity let witn a lancet. 

In a discharge pf blood from the nose, the great point is to deter¬ 
mine whether it ought to be stopped or not. It is a common prac.- 
tice to stop the bleeding, without considering whether it be a disease, 
or the cure of a disease. This conduct proceeds from fear ; but it 
has often bad, arid sometifeies fatal consequences.' 

When a discharge of blood from the nose Happens in an inflamma¬ 
tory disease, there is always reason to believe that it may prove sa¬ 
lutary ; and therefore it should be suffered to go on, at least as long 
as the patient is not weakened by it. 

When it happens to persons m perfect health, who are full of 
blood, it ought not to be suddenly stopped, especially if the symp¬ 
toms of plethora, mentioned above, have preceded it. In this case 
it cannot be stopped without risking the patient’s life. 

In fine, whenever bleeding at the nose relieves anv bad symptom, 
and does not proceed so far,as to endanger the patient’s life, it ought 
not to be stopped. But when it returns frequently, or continues till 
the pulse becomes low, the extremities begin to grow cold, the lips 
pale, or the patient complains oi being sick or faint, it must imme¬ 
diately be stopped.* 

For this purpose dhe patient should be set nearly upright, with his 
head reclining a little, and his legs immersed in water about the 
\yarmth oh new milk. His hands ought likew ise to be put in iuke- ' 
warm water, and his garters may be tied a little tighter than usual* 
Ligatures may be applied to the arms, about the place where they art^ 
usual l \ made for bleeding, and with nearly the same degree of tight-, 
ness. These must be gradually slackened as the blood begins tostop^ 
and removed entirely as soon as it gives over. 

■ Sometimes dj;y lint put up the-nostrils will stop the bleeding. 
Whenghis doeVn )t succeed, dossils of lint dipped in strong spirits 
of wine, may be put up the nostrils, cr if that cannot be had, they 
may be dipped in brandy.' Blue vitriol dissolved-in water may like-- 
wise be used for this purpose; or a tent dipped in the white of Tin 
egg well beat up; may be rolled in a powder made of equal .parts of 

■white 








BLEEDING AND BLIND PILES, 


IS 5 


'white sugar, burnt alliim, and white vitriol, and put up the nostril 
from whence the blood issues. , 

Interna] medicines can hardly be of use hefe, as they have sel¬ 
dom time to operate. It may not however-be amiss to give the pair 
lient half an ounce of Glauber’s salt, and the same quantit) of 
manna, dissolved in four or five ounces of barley-water. This may¬ 
be taken at a draught, and repeated, if it does not operate, in a few 
hours. Tensor twelve grains of nitre may be taken in a glass of 
' old water and vinegar every hour, or oftener, if the stomach will 
bear it. If a stronger medicine be necessary, a tea-cupful of the 
c ineture of roses, w'ith twenty or thirty drops of the weak spirit of 
vitriol, may be taken every hour. When these things cannot be 
had, the patient may drink water, with a little common salt in ip, or 
-equal parts of water and vinegar *. 

If the genitals be immersed for some time in cold water, it 
will generally stop a bleeding at thenose. I have notknovvn this fail. 

Sometimes, when the bleeding is stopped outwardly, it continues 
inwardly. This is very troublesome, and requires particular atten¬ 
tion, as the patient is apt to be suffocated with the blood, especially 
if be falls asleep, which he is very ready to do after losing a great 
quantity of blood. 

When the patienf is in danger of suffocation from the blood get¬ 
ting into bis throat, the passages may bo stopped bv drawing thlead's 
up the nostrils, and bringing them out at the mouth, then fastening 
pieces of sponge, or small rolls of linen cloth to their extremities ; 
afterwards drawing them back, and tying them on the outside with 
“a sufficient degree of tightness. 

After the bleeding is stopped, the patient ought to be kept a c ea¬ 
sy and quiet as possible. He should not pick his nose, nor take 
-away the tents or clotted blood, till they tail off of their own accord, 
and should not lie with his head low. 

Those who are affected with frequent bleeding at the nose might 
to bathe their feet often in warm w'ater, and to keep them warm and 
'dry. They ought to wear nothing tight about their necks, to keep 
their body as much in an creel posture as possible, and never to 
view any object obliquely. If they have too much blood, a vegetable 
'diet, with r.ow and then a cooling purge, is the safest way to lessen it. 

But when the disease proceeds from a thin dissolved state of the 
'blood, the diet should be rich and nourishing ; as strong broths and 
jellies, sago-grucl with wine and sugar, &c. Infusions of the .Pe¬ 
ruvian bark in wine ought likewise to be taken and persisted in fora 
considerable time.. ; 


OF THE BLEEDING AND BLIND PILES. 


A DISCHARGE of blood from the hsemorrhoidal vessels is 
called the bleeding piles. When the vessels only swell, and dis- 

* From ten to twenty drops of the oil of turpentine in a little water given 
fivonently, feldorn fails to itop a bleeding at the no ft, orfrem any other part. 


•jv e 





196 BLEEDING AND BLIND PILES. 

charge do blood, but are exceeding painful, the disease is called tbi 

blind pile*. 

Pei sons of a loose sporigy fibre, of a bulky size, vVho live high, 
and lead a sedentary, inactive life, are most subject to this disease, 
it is. oiler, owing to an hereditary disposition. Where this is the 
case, it attacks persons more early in life than ,\viv&n it is accidental. 
lUen are more liable to it than women, especially those of a san¬ 
guine, plethoric, or scorbutic habit, or of a melancholy disposition. 

The piles may be occasioned bv an excess.of blood, by strong 
aloetic purges, high-seasoned food, drinking great, quantities of 
sweet, wines, the neglect of bleeding, or other customary evacuati¬ 
ons, much riding; great cost! veil ess, or any thing that occ asiohs hard 
or dhtkuit stools Anger, grief, or other violent passions, will 
likewise occasion the piles. 1 have often known them brought on 
bv sitting on the damp ground. A pair of thin breeches will excite 
the' disorder in a person who is subject to it, and sometimes even in 
t lose who never had it before. Pregnant women are often afflicted 

C/ 

with the pi res. 

A flux of blood from the anus, is not always to be treated as a 
disease. It is even more salutary than bleeding at the nose, and 
often prevents or carries off diseases. It is peculiarly beneficial in 
the gout, rheumatism, asthma-; and hypochondriacal complaints, and 
often proves critical in colics, and intiaimnator.v fevers. 

In the management of the patient, regard'must be had to his ha¬ 
bit of body, his age, strength; and manner of living: A discharge 
which might be excessive and -prove hurtful to one, roav be very mo¬ 
derate, and even salutary to another. That only is to be esteemed 
dangerous; which continues too long, and is in such quantity as to 
waste the pbuent's strength, hurt the digestion, nutrition, and other 
functions necessary to life. 

When this is the case, the discharge must be checked by a proper 
regimen, and astringent medicines; The DIET must be cool IM 
nourishing, consisting chiefly of bread, milk, cooling vegetables, and 
broths. The drink may be chalybeate water, orange-whey, decoc¬ 
tions or infusions of the astringent and mucilaginous plants* -as the 
iormehtil root, bistort, the marshinallbw-roofs, See. 

Old conserve of roses is a very good medicine In this case, it 
in ay be mixed in new milk, and may be taken in the ’quantify of an. 
ounce three or four times a-day. This medicriie is in no -great re¬ 
pute, owing to its being seldom taken in such -quantity as to pro¬ 
duce any effects; but when taken as here directed, and duly persist¬ 
ed in, 1 have known it perform very extraordinary cures in violent 
haemorrhages, especially when assisted by the tincture of roses ;' a 
tea-cupful of which may be taken about an hour after every dose of 
the conserve. 

The Peruvian bark is likewise proper in this case, both as a 
strengthens- an.) astringent. Half a drachm of it may be takeh ih 
a glass ©f red wine, sharpened with a few drops of the elikir of -vi¬ 
triol, three or four times a-day. 

The bleeding piles are sometimes periodical, and return regular¬ 
ly once a month, or once in three weeks? in this case they are 

■always 




SPITTING OF BLOOD. 


4 vays to be considered as a salutary discharge, and by no m 
to be stopped. Some have,entirely ruined their health by stopping 1 
a periodical discharge of blood from the hemorrhoidal -veins. 

In the bind; piles bleeding is generally of use. The diet mnst.be 
light and thin, and the, drink cool and diluting. It is likewise ne¬ 
cessary that the body be kept gently open. 'This may be done by 
smail doses of the flowers cf brimstone and cream of tartar. These 
may be mixed in equal quantities, and a tea-spoonful taken two or 
three times a-day, or oftener if necessary. Or an ounce of the 
dowers of brimstone and half ai\ ounce of. purified nitie may be 
mixed with three or four ounces of the lenitive electuary, and a tea- 
spoonful of it taken three or four times a-day. 

Emollient clysters aie here likewise beneficial; but there is some¬ 
times such an astriction of the units, that they cannot be thrown up. 
In this case I have known a vomit have, a eery good effect. 

When the piles are exceeding painful and swelled, but discharge 
nothing, the patient must sit over the steams of warm, water. He 
may likewise apply a linen cloth dipped jn vyarm spirits of wine to. 
the part, or poultices, made, of bread and milk, or of leeks fried 
with butter. If these do not produce a discharge, and the piles ap¬ 
pear large, leeches must be applied as near them as possible, or, if 
they will fix apon the piles themselves, so much the better. When 
leeches will not fix, the piles may be opened with a lancent. The 
operation is very easy, and is attended with no danger,. Various 
ointments, and other external applications, are recommended in 
the piles ; but I do not remember to have seen any effects from 
these worth mentioning. Their principal use is to keep tiro part 
moist, which may be done as well by a so It poultice, or an emol¬ 
lient cataplasm. When the pain however is very great, a lini¬ 
ment made of two ounces of emoi-lient ointment, and half an 
ounce of liquid laudanum, beat up with the yolk of an egg, may 
be applied. 


SPITTING OF 


B L O O D. 


WE mean hereto treat of that discharge of blood from lire fangs 
only which is called an hamopio&, or spiK ir.g cr blood: Persons of a 
slender make, and a lax fibre, who have long necks and strait 
breasts, are most liable to this disease. It is most common hi the 
spring, and generally attacks people before they are at the prime or 
middle period of life. It is a common observation, that those who 
have been subject to bleeding at the nose when young, are after¬ 
wards most liable to an haemoptoe., 

CAUSES.-An hremoptoe may proceed from excess of blood, 

from a peculiar weakness of the lungs, or a bad con formatter of the 
breast. It is often occasioned by excessive drinking, running, 
wrestling, singing, or speaking aloud. Such as have weak lungs 
ought to avoid all violent exertions of that organ, as they value, 
life. They should likewise guard against violent passions, exces¬ 
sive drinking, and eyery thing that occasions a rapid circulation of 
the bloody knui 



] r 

19S 


SPITTING OF BLOOD. 

Tins disease may likewise proceed from wounds of the lungs; 
These may either be received from without, or they may be occa¬ 
sioned by" hard bodies getting into the wind-pipe, and so falling, 
down upon the lungs, and hurting that tender organ. The obstruc¬ 
tion of any customary evacuat ion may occasion a spitting of blood ^ 
as neelect oJ bleeding or puiging at the usuaLseasbns, the stoppage 
of tbe bleeding piles in men, or the menses in women, &c. It may 
likewise proceed from a polypus' scirrhous concretions, or ary 
thing that obstructs $0 circulation of the blood in the lungs. It 
often the effect of a long and violent cough ; in which case it is 
generally the forerunner of a consumption. A violent degree of 
dol'd suddenly applied to the external parts of the body will occa¬ 
sion an hamoptoc. It may likewise be occasioned by breathing air 
which is too much rarified to be able properly to expand the lungs. 
This is often the, case with those who work in hot places, as fur¬ 
naces, glass-houses, or the like. It is likewise said to happen to 
such as ascend to the top of very high mountains, as the Peak of 
Teneriff, &e. ' 

Spilling of blood is not. always to be considered as a primary dis¬ 
ease. It is often only a symptom, and in some diseases not an unfa¬ 
vourable one. This is the case in pleurisies, peripneumonies, and 
sundry other fevers. In a dropsy, scurvy, or consumption, it is a 
bad symptom, and shews that the lungs are ulcerated. 

SYMPTOMS.—-—Spitting of blood is generally preceded by a, 
sense of weight, and oppression of the breast, a dry tickling cough, 
hoarseness, and a difficulty of breathing. Sometimes it ushered in 
w ith shivering, coldness of the extremities, costiveness, great las-,, 
situde, flatulence, pain of the back and loins, &c. As these shew 
a general stricture upon the vessels, and a tendency or the blood to 
inflammation, they are-commonly the forerunners of a very copi¬ 
ous discharge. The above symptoms do not attend a discharge of 
blood from the gums or fauces, by which means these may always 
be, distinguished from an h mm op toe. Sometimes the blood that is 
spit up is thin, and of a florid red colour ; and at other times it is 
thick, and of a daik or blackish colour; nothing however can be 
inferred from this circumstance, but that the blood has lain a longer 
<or shorter time in the breast before it was discharged. 

Gpitting. of blood, in a strong healthy person, of a sound consti-. 
tut ion, is not very dangerous; but when it attacks the tender and 
delicate, or persons of a weak lax sibre, it is with difficulty remov¬ 
ed. When it proceeds from a scirrhusor polypus of the lungs, it is 
bad. "flse clanger is greater when the discharge proceeds from the 
r uptime of a large vessel than a small one. When the extravasated 
Mood is not spit up, but.lodges in the breast, it corrupt?, and great¬ 
ly increases the danger.. When the blood proceeds from an ulcer in 
the lungs, it is generally fatal. 

K EG I iM EN-.-The patient ought to be kept cool and easy. Eve¬ 

ry thing that heats the body Or quickens the circulation, increases 
the danger. The mind ought likewise to be soothed, and every oc¬ 
casion of exciting the passions avoided. The diet should be soft, 
eoolir.g, and slender; as rice boiled with milk, small broths, bar¬ 
ley-gruels. 








VOMI T ING OF B L O O D. isy 

%-gruels, panado, &c. The diet, in this case, ran scarce-* be too 
low.. Even water-gruel is sufficient to support the patient for $ome 
clays. All strong liquors must be avoided. The. patient may drink 
tnilK and water, barley-.vater, whey, butter-milk, and sum hke. 
Every thing liowever 'should be drank cold, and in small quanti les- 
at a time. He should ob. eive the strictest silence, or. at least * peat 
with a very low voice. 

MEDICINE.-This, like* the other involuntary discharges of 

blood, ought not to be suddenly flopped by astringent medicines. 
More mischief is often done, by these than if it were suffered to go 
on. It. may however proceed so far as to weaken-the patient, and 
even endanger his life; in which cgse proper meansgAmt be used 
for restraining it. 

The body should be kept gently open by laxative dial ; as roasted • 
apples, stewed prunes, and such like. If these should not have the 
desired effect, a tea-spoonful of the lenitive electuary may be taken 
twice or thrice a-day, as is found necessary. If the bleeding proves. 
violent, ligatures may be applied to the extremities, as directed for 
a bleeding at the nose. If the patient be hot or feverish, bleeding 
and small closes of nitre will be of use ; a scruple or half a drachm,, 
of nitre, may be taken in a cup' of his ordinary drink twice or 
thrice a-day. His drink may likewise be sharpened with acids, as 
juice of lemon, or a few drops of the spirit of vitriol ; or he may 
take frequently a cap of the tincture of roses. 

Bathing the feet and legs in lukewarm water has hkewise a very 
good effect in this disease. Opiates coo are sometimes beneficial ; 
but these must be administered with caution. Ten or twelve^ 
drops of laudanum may be given in a cup of barley-water twice 
a-day, and continued icr some time, provided they be found bene¬ 
ficial. 

The conserve of roses is likewise a very good medicine in ibis 
case, provided it be taken in sufficient quantity, and long enough 
persisted in. It may be taken to the quantity of three or four oun¬ 
ces a-d&y ; and, if the patient be troubled with a cough, it si; cm Id 
be ni^de into an electuary'with balsamic syrup, and a little of the 
syrup / of poppies. 

If stronger astringents be necessary, fifteeii or tw enty drops of the 
elixir of vitriol may be given in a glass of water three or four times 
E-day. 

Those who are subject to freqo.eqt returns of this disease should 
avoid all excess. Their diet should be light and cool, consisting 
chiefly of milk and vegetables. Above all, let them beware of 
yigourous efforts of the body, and violent agitations of the mind. 


VOMITING OF BLOOD. 

THIS is not so common as the other discharges of blood which 
have already been mentioned ; but it is very dangerous, and requires 
particular attention. 

Vomiting of blood is generally- preceded by pain of the -stomach, 

sickness, 



goo OF BLOODY URINE. 

sickness, and - nausea; and is accompanied with great anxiety, and 
frequent fainting-fits. 

T4iis disease is sometimes periodical; in which case it is less dan¬ 
gerous. It often proceeds from aa obstruction of the menses in wo¬ 
men ; and sometimes from the stoppage .of the hosmorrhoidal <lux in 
men. It may be occasioned by any thing that greatly stimulates or 
\youndsthe stomach, as strong vomits or purges, acrid poison, sharp 
or hard substances taken into the stomach, &c. It is often the 
effect ot obstructions in the liver, the spleen,, or some of the other 
viscera. 

It may likewise proceed from external violence, as blows, brui¬ 
ses, or from any of the causes which produce inflammation. In 
hysteric, women, vomiting of blood is a very common, but by no. 
means a dangerous symptom.' 

A great part of the danger in this diease arise from the extrava- 
sated blood lodging in the bowels, and becoming putrid, by which 
means a dysentery or putrid fever may be occasioned. The best 
way qf preventing this,-is to keep the body gently open, by fre¬ 
quently exhibiting emollient clysters. Purges must not be given till 
the discharge is stopt, otherwise they will irritate the stomach, and 
increase the the disorder. All the food and drink must be of a mild 
cooling nature, and taken in small quantities. Even drinking cold 
water has sometimes proved a remedy, but it. will succeed better 
when sharpened with the weak spirits of vitriol. When there are 
signs of an inflammation, bleeding may be necessary ; but the 
patient's weakness will seldom permit it. Opiates may be of use ; 
but they must be given in very small doses, as four or five drops of 
liquid laudanum twice or thrice or thrice a-day. 

After the discharge is over, as the patient is generally troubled... 
with gripes occasioned by the acrimony of the blood lodged in the: 
intestines, gentle purges will be necessary. 


OF BLOODY U R I X E. >, 

THIS is a discharge of blood from the vessels of the kidneys or 
bladder, occasioned by their being either enlarged, broken, or ero¬ 
ded. It is more or less dangerous according to the different cir¬ 
cumstances which attend it. 

Wn'en pure blood is voided suddenly without interruption and 
without pain, it proceeds from the kidneys ; but if the blood be in 
small quantity, of a dark colour, and emitted with heat and pain 
about the bottom of the belly, it proceeds from the bladder. When 
bloody urine is occasioned by a rough stone descending from the 
kidneys to the bladdpr, which wounds the ureters, it is attended 
with a sharp pain in the back, and difficulty of making water. If 
the coats of the bladder are hurt by a stone, and the bloody urine 
follows, it is attended with the most acute pain, and a previous , 
stoppage of urine. 

Bloody urine may likewise be occasioned by falls, blows, the 
fitting or carrying of heavy burdens, hard riding, or any violent, 

motion,. 



OF 


THE DYSENTERY, 




motion. It may also proceed from ulcers of the bladder, from a 
stone lodged in the kidneys, or from violent purge!, or sharp diure¬ 
tic medicines, especially c&ntharides. 

Bloody'urine is always attended with some degree of danger: 
but it is peculiarly so when mixed with purulent matter, as this 
shews an ulcer somewhere in the urinary passages! Sometimes this 
discharge proceeds from excess of blood, in which case hi is rather 
to be considered as as a salutary evacuation than a disease, If the 
discharge however be very great, it may waste tire patient’s strength, 
and occasion an ill habit of body, a dropsy or a consumption. 

The treatment of this disorder must be varied according to the 
different causes from which it proceeds. 

W hen it is owing to a stone in the bladder, the cure depends 
upon an operation, a description of which would be foreign to our 
purpose. 

If it be attended with a plethora, and symptoms of inflammation, 
bleeding will be necessary, The body must likew ise be kept open 
by emollient clysters, dr cooling purgative medicines ; as cream of 
tartar, rhubarb, manna, or small doses of lenitive electuary. 

When bloody urine proceeds from a dissolved state "of the blood, 
it is commonly the symptom of some malignant disease ; as the 
small-pox, a putrid fever or the like. In this case the patient’s life 
depends on the liberal use of the Peruvian bark and acids, as has al¬ 
ready been shewn. 

When there is reason to suspect an ulcer in the kidneys or blatf- 
der, the patient’s diet must be cool, and his drink of a sofr, he aling, 
balsamic quality, as decoctions of marsh-mallow roots with liquor¬ 
ice, solutions of gum-arabic, Szc. Three ounces of marsh-mallow 
roots, and half an ounce of liquorice, may be boiled in two English 
quarts of water to one ; two ounces of gum-arabic, and half an 
ouned of purified nitre may be dissolved in the strained liquor, and 
a tea-cupful of it taken four or five times a-day.. 

The early use of astringents in this disease has often bad conse¬ 
quences. When the flux is stopped tco scon, the grirmous bicod, by- 
being confined in the vessels, may produce inflammations, abscess, 
and ulcers. If how ever the case be urgent, or the patient seems to 
suffer from the loss of blood, gentle astringents may be necessary. 
In this case the patient may take three or four ounces of lime-water, 
w ith half an ounce of the tincture of Peruvian bark, three times a~ 
da vc ; h! 


OF THE DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX. 


THIS disease prevails^ in the spring and autumn. It is most 
common in marshy countries, where, after hot and dry summers, it 
is apt to becefne epidemic. Persons are most liable to it who are 
much exposed to the night air, or who live in places where the air 
is confined and unwholesome. Hence it often proves fatal in camps, 
on shipboard, in jails, hospitals, ar.d such like places 

C AUSES,-The dysentery may be occasioned by any thing 



'CrV? 


OF THE DYSENTERY, 


that obstructs tfie perspiratidn, or renders the humours putrid,* V 
damp beds, wot clothes, unwholesome diet, bad air, ckc. But it 
is most frequently communicated by infection. This ought to make 
people extremely Cautious ingoing near such persons as labour un¬ 
der the disease. 'Even the smell of the patient's excrements has 
been known to,communicate the infection. 

SYMPTOMS ——“It is known by a fiux of the belly, attended by 
'Violent pain of the bowels, a constant inclination to go to stool, and 
generally more n. less blood in the stools. It begins like other fe¬ 
vers, with dullness, loss of Strength-, a quick pulse, great thirst, 
and an inclination to Vomit. The stools are at first greasy and 
•frothy, afterwards they are streaked with blood, and at last havb 
'frequently the appearance of pure blood, mixed with small filaments 
resembling bits of skin. Worms are sometimes passed both up¬ 
wards and downwards through the whole course,of the disease. 
When, the patient goes to stool, he feels a bearing down, as if the 
whole bowels were falling out, and sometimes a part of the intes¬ 
tine is actually protruded, which proves exceeding troublesome* 
‘especially In children- "FlatulencyIs likewise a troublesome symp¬ 
tom, ‘especially towards the end ol the disease. 

This disease-may be distinguished from a diarrhoea or looseness* 
by the acute pain of the bowels, and the blood which generally 
appears in the stools. It may be distinguished from the cholera mor* 
bus by its not being attended with such violent and frequent fits or 


vomiting, &c. 

© 7 ' > 

When the dysentery attacks the old, the delicate, or such as have 
been wasted by the gout, the scurvy, or other lingering diseases, 
it generally proves fatal. Vomiting and 'h recti ping are-bad signs, 
as they shew an inflammation of the stomach. When the stools are 
green, black, or have an exceeding disagreeable cadaverous smell, 
the danger is very great, as it shews the diseasd to be of the putrid 
■kind. It is an 'unfavourable symptom when clysters are immedi¬ 
ately returned; but still more so when the passage is so obstinately 
shut, that they cannot be injected. A feeble pulse, coldness of th& 
extremities, with difficulty of swallowing* and convulsions, are 
signs of approaching death. 

REGIMEN.——“Nothing is of more importance in this disease, 
than cleanliness. It contributes greatly to the recovery of the pa¬ 
tient, and no less to the safety, of such as attend him. In all con¬ 
tagious diseases the danger is increased, and the infection spread, by 
the neglect of cleanliness'; but in no one more than this. Every 
thisig about the patient should be frequently changed. The Excre¬ 
ment should iffever be suffered to continue in his chamber, but re¬ 
moved immediately and buried under ground. A constant stream of 
frcdi air should be admitted into the chamber; and it ought fre¬ 
quently to be sprinkled with vinegar, juice of lemon, or some'other 
strong acid. 

^ # • f 

The patient must not be discouraged, but Ids spirits kept up in 
hopes of a cure. Nothing tends more t*o render any putrid disease 
mortal, than the fears and apprehensions of the sick. All di erases 
M this nature have a tendency to sink and depress the spirits, and 

when 



O R 


BLOODY FLU:X. 



When that is increased bv fears and alarms from those whom 
iient believes to be persons of skill, it cannot fail to have the; 


the pa* 
v\ orst 


effects. . ;* \ W 

A flannel waistcoat worn next the skin, has often a very good ef¬ 
fect in the dysentery. This promotes the perspiration without over 
heating the body. Great caution however is nece|sar> in leaving 
it off. 1 have often known a dysentery brought on by imprudently 
throwing of! a flannel waistcoat before, the season w as sufficiently 
warm. For whatever purpose this piece of dress is worn, it should 
never be left ofi but in a warfn season. 

In this disease the greatest attention must be paid to the patient’s 
diet. Flesh, fish, and every thing that has d tendency to turn pu¬ 
trid or rancid on the stomach, must be abstained from. Apples 
boiled in milk, wafer pap, and plain light pudding, with both 
made of the gelatinous parts of animals., may constitute the princi¬ 
pal part of the patient’s food. Gelatinous broth not only answers 
tiie purpose of fttod, but likewise of medicine. I have often.known 
dysenteries, which were not of a putrid nature, cured by it, after 
pompous medicines had proved ineffectual*. 

Another kind df food very proper in the dysentery, which may be 
used by such as cannot take the broth mentioned above, is made by 
boiling a few handfuls of fine flour, tied in a cloth, for six or seven 
hours, till it becomes as hard as starch. Two or three table-spoon*- 
iuIs of this may be.grated down, and boiled in such a quantity of 
new ir.dk and water, as to be ©f the thickness of pap. This may be 
sweetened to the patient’s taste, and taken for his ordinary foodf. 

In a putrid dysentery ihe patient may be allowed to eat freely of 
most kinds of good ripe fruit ; as apples, grapes, gooseberries, 
currant-berries, straw-berries. Sue, These may either be eaten raw 


* The manner of making this broth is, to take a fheep’s head and feci 
with the {kin upon them, and to burn the wool oft with a hot iron ; after¬ 
wards to boil them till the broth is quite a jelly. A little cinnamon or liaco 
may be added, to give the broth an agreeable flavour, and the patient may 
take a little of it warm with tcalled btead three or four times a-day. A 
dyiler of it may like wife be giventwice a-day. Such as cannot ulethc 
wroth made in this way, may have the luad and feet fkinned; but we have 
reafon to believe that this injures the medicine. It .is .not cur bull nets here 
to reafon upon the nature and qualities of medicine, otherwife this might be 
fihewii to poflefs virtues every way fuite'd to the cure of a dyfenterv which 
does not proceed from a putrid {late of the humours. One thing we knew, 
which is preferable toall reafining, that whole families have often been cur¬ 
ed by it, after they had u/fed many other medicines in vain. It will, how¬ 
ever, be proper that the patient take a vomit, and a dofe or two of rhubarb, 
before he begins to life the broth. It will like wife be neceflary to continue 
the ufe of it for a coniiderable time, and to make it the.principal food, 
f The learned and humane Dr. Rutherford, late profefler pf medicine, h 
the univerfity cf Edinburgh, ufed to mention this food in his public iedhirc-; 
with great encomiums. He directed it to be made by tying a pound or two 
of t)Ve fined flour, as tight as poffible, in a linen rag, afterwards to dip it fre¬ 
quently in water, and to dridge the outiide with flour, till a cake or crock 
was formed around it, which prevents the water irem foaking into ir wb V 
boiling. It is then to be boiled till it becomes a hard dry mafs, as d.befw l 
above. This, when mixed with miik and water, will rot only ant*/, er r orq 
uuroofe T food, but may likes.die be giysn in Hyfters. 

F t A- 


-S4.C /V 


kj r i 1 i 1L 1J 1 3 Hi IN I Hi Iv 1, 


or boiled ; with or without milk, as the patient c hooses. The pie 
jtuiice against fruit in this disease is so'g.reat, that many believe it T* 
be the e6nunon cause'of dysenteries. This however is an egregi¬ 
ous'mistake. Bc>th reason and experience shew, that good fruit is 
one of the best meciiciuds, both for 'the -^revciiUhm and cure of the 
dysentery. Good fruit is in every respect calculated to. co'interat t 
thin tendency to-putrefaction, from whence the most dangerous kind 
of dysentery proceeds. The patient in such a case ought therefore 
to be allowed to eat as much fruit as h*e pleases;-provided it be 

.. . . • , . v * 

The most proper drink in 'this disorder is wl cv, i h'e dysentery 

has often been euiod by.the use of clear whey alone. It maybe 
taken both for drink and in form of a clyster. When whey cannot 
be had, barley-water sharpened with cream"of tartar tnaV be drank, 
or a dec oction of barley an 4 tamarinds ; two ounces of the former 
anci one of the latter may be boiled in two Eitglish cjnayts of water 
to one. Warm water, water gruel, dr water wherein hot iron has 
been frequently Quenched, are all very proper, and may be drank m 
t urns. 'Camomile-Lea, if the stdfnach will bear it, is an exceeding 
proper drink. It both strengthens fife stomach, and by its antisep¬ 
tic uuaii'y*. fends to-prevent a mortification of the bowels. 

TV!EDICINE.—*—At the ’beginning of this disease it t? always 
necessary to cleanse the first passages. For tlvisqnifposGa vomit of 
ipecacuanha; runs; be giVcn, and wrought off With weak camomile- 
tea. Strong vomits are seldom necessary here A Scruple',, or at 
most half a drac hm of ipec acuanha, is 'generally sufficient for an a- 
ctult, and sometimes a very few grains will suffice. The day after 
the vomit, Haifa drachm, or two scruples of rhubarb, must be ta¬ 
ken ; or what will answer the purpose rather better, an ounce or 
an ounce and an hall of Epsom salt. This close mav be repeated 
every other day for two or three times Afterwards small doses of 
ipecacmynhM inay he taken for some time. Two or three grains of 
the powder mav be mixed in a table-spoonful of the syrup of pop¬ 
pies, and taken three times a-dav. 

These evacuations, and the.regimen prescribed above, will often 
be sufficient to eilcct a c ure, bhouluit however happen otherwise^ 
the following astringent medicines ma\ be used : 

A clyster of starch or fat imu lop-broth, with thirty or forty drops 
0f liquid laudaiium in it ill ay be administered twice a-day. At the 

* I lately hw a vhting man who had keen fei zed with ?. d.yfcntery m North 
America. Many things had been tried there f. r his relief, but to no puroofq 
Al length, tired out with difappointments from medicine, and reduced t<* 
tkin and bone, he Came ovel-to Bri ain, rather with a view to die among his 
relations, than with any hopes of a cure. A fter taking; fundry medicines 
here with no better fuccefs than abroad, I advifed him to leave off the ufe ot 
drugs, and to trull entirely to a diet of milk and fruits, with gentle exercife. 
Strawberries was the only fruit he could procure jit that feafon Theie h0 
ate with milk twice and fometiines thrice a-clay. The confequence was, that 
in a fhert time his ftools were reduced front Upwards of twenty in a day, to 
three or four, and fentetimes not so many. He ufed the other fruits as the 
came in, and was in a few weeks fo well as to leave that pact of the count 
where I wo-s, with a vic\V to return to America, 


same 














or BLOODY FLUX. 205 

'utne time an ounce of gum-arabic, and half an ounce of gum-traga- 
eantfi, may be dissolved in an English pint of barley-water, over a 
slow fire, and a table-spoonful of it taken every hour. 

It these have hot the desired elfect, the patient may take, four 
times a day, about the bulk of a nutmeg of the Japonic Confection, 
drinking after it a tea-cupful of the decoction of logwood*. 

Persons who ha.ve been cured of this disease aie very liable to 
suffer a relapse ; to prevent which, great circumspection with res¬ 
pect to diet is necessary. The patient must abstain fiom all lei-, 
mented liquors, except now r and then a glass of good wine ; but he 
must drink no kind of malt liquor. He should likewise abstain from 
animal food, as fish and flesh, and Iive-principally on milk and vege¬ 
tables. 

Gentle exercise and wholesome air are likewise of .importance.— 
The patient should go to the country as soon as his strength will 
permit, and should take exercise daily on horseback, or in a carriage 
He may likewise use bitters infused in wine or brandy, and may- 
drink twice a-day a gill of lime-water mixed with an equal quantity 
©f new milk. ’ 

‘When dysenteries prevail, we would recommend a strict atten¬ 
tion to cleanliness, a spdre use of animal food, and the free use of 
sound ripe fi uits; and other vegetables. The night air is to be care¬ 
fully avoided, and all communication with the sick. Bad smells aie 
likewise to be shunned, especially those which arise from putrid ani¬ 
mal substances. The necessaries where the sick go are carefully to 
be avoided 

When the first symptoms of the dysentery appear, (he patient 
ought immediately to take a vomit, to go to bed, and drink plenti¬ 
fully of weak warm liquor, to promote a sweat. This, with a dose 
or two ofThubarb at the beginning, would often carry oft the dis- 
i case. In countries where dysenteries prevail, we would advise 
such as are liable to them, to take either a vomit or a purge evCr y 
spring or autumn, as a preventive. 

There are sundry other fluxes of the belly, as the Lit,NT ERY 
and CCELIAC PASSION, which though less dangerous than the 
dysentery, yet nierit consideration. ThesedisetL.es gene,ally pro¬ 
ceed from a relaxed state of the stomach anti intestines, which is 
sometimes so great* that the food passes through them with hard¬ 
ly any sensible alteration- j and the patient dies merely from the 
want of nourishment. 

When the lienlery or cceliac passion sweceed to a dysentery, the 
case is bad. They are always dangerous m old age, especially 
l when the conskution has been broken by excess or acute diseases. 
If the stools be very frequent, anxi quite crude, the thirst gieat,with 
1 little urine, the mouth ulcerated, and the face marked with spots 
1 of different colours the danger is very great 

The treatment of the patient is in general the same as in the 
dysentery. In all obstinate fluxes of the belly, the cure must be at¬ 
tempted, by first cleansing the stomach and bowels with gentle vo- 

* See Appendix, Decoction of Logwood, 

mils 



‘206 


OF THE HE AD- AC II. 


wits and purges ; afterwards such a diet as has a tendency to heal 
and strengthen the bowels, with opiates and astringent medicines* 
will generally complete the cine. 

The same observation hoLs with respect to a TENESMUS, or 
frequent desire of going to stool. This disease resembles the dysen¬ 
tery so much, both in ids symptoms and method ot cure, that we think, 
it needless to insist upon id 



C H A P. XXXIV. 

* , , v 

OF THE HEAD-AC.E 


A CITES andpa-ns proceed from very different causes and may af- 
X \ foci any pari of the body, ul we shall point out those only which 
occur most frequently, and are attended with the greatest danger. 

When he head-ach E slight, and a fleets a particular part of the 
head ohiv, it is called cephalalgia ; when the whole head is affected, 
cejthaLza ; and when on one side only, hemicravia. A fixed pain in 
the forehead, which may be cqveied with the end of the thumb, is 
called the clan's hystericus,' 

There are abo other distinctions. Sometimes the pain is internal, 
sometimes external ; sometimes it is an original disease, and at other 
lanes only symptomatic. When the head-ach proceeds from a hot 
EilioU's habit, the pain is very acme ami throbbing, with a consi¬ 
derable heat of the part affect eel. \V hen flora a cold phlegmatic ha- 
tit, the patient complains of a dull heavy pain, and has a sense of 
coldness in the p>art. This kind of head-ach is sometimes attended- 
with a degree of stupidity or folly. 

Whatever obstructs the free circulation of the blood through the 
vessels of the head, may occasion a heacl-ach. In persons of a full 
habit, who abound with blood, or other humour - , the head-ach of¬ 
ten proceeds from the suppression of customary evacuations; as 
bleeding at the nose, sweating of the feet, &c , It may likewise 
proceed from any cause that determines a grfcat flux of blood to¬ 
wards the head; as coldness of the extremities, or hanging down 
the head fora long time. Whatever preyents the return of file blood 
from the head will likewise occasion a head-ach ; as looking long ob¬ 
liquely at any object, wearing any thing tight about the neck, a new 
hat or the.Iike. 

When a head-ach proceeds frdjn a stoppage of a running at the 
rose, there is a heavy, obtuse, pressing pain in the fore part of the 
head, in which there seems to be such a weight, that the patient 
can scarce hold it up. When it is occasioned by the caustic matter 
of the venerial disease, it generally affects the skull, and often pro¬ 
duces a caries of the bones. 

Sometimes the head-ach proceeds from the repulsion or retroces¬ 
sion of the gout, the erysipelas, the small-pox, measles, itch, or 

'■ " ' ' '• other 


> r 



OF THE HE A D-A C II. 


.07 


wi.hcr eruptive diseases. What is called a henricmnia generally pro¬ 
ceeds from crudities or indigestion. Inanition, or .emptiness, will 
often also occasion head achs. I have often seen -instances of this 
in nurses who gave suck too long, or who did not take a sufficient 
quantity of solid food 

There is likewise a most violent, fixed, constant, and almost in¬ 
tolerable head-ach, which occasions great debility both of body 
and mind, prevents sleep, destroys the appetite, causes a vertigo, 
dimness of sight, a noise in the ears, convulsions, epileptic fits, and 
sometimes vomiting, costiveness, coldness of the extremities, &c. 

j he head-aoh is often symptomatic in continual and intermitting 
fevers, especially quartans. It is likewise o very common symptom 
in Jiy terie and hypochondriac complaints. 

When a head-ach attends an acute fever, with pale urine, it is an 
tin favourable symptom. In excessive head-ach s, coldness of the ex¬ 
tremities it is a bad sign. 

When the disease continues long, and is very violent, it ofren ter¬ 
minates in blindness, an apoplexy, deafness, a vertigo, the palsy, 
or the epilepsy. 

In this disease, the cool regimen in general is to be observed. The. 
diet ought to consist of such emollient substances as w ill correct the 
acrimony of the humours, and keep the body open ; as apples bod¬ 
ed' in milk, ’spinage, turnips, and such like. The drink ought to be 
diluting ; as barley-water, infusions of mild mucilaginous vegeta¬ 
bles, decoctions of the sodorific woods. Sic.. The feet and legs 
ought to be kept warn;, and frequently bathed in lukewarm water; 
the head should be shaved, and bathed with water and vinegar. The 
patient ought as much as possible to keep in an erect posture, and 
not to lie with his head too low. 

When the head-ach is owing to excess of blood, or on hot bili¬ 
ous constitution, bleeding is necessary. The patiertf may be bled 
in the jugular \ein, and thq operation repeated if there be occasion. 
Cupping also, or the application of leeches to the temples, and be¬ 
hind the ears, will be of service. Afterwards a blistering-piaster 
xnay be applied to the neck behind the ears, or to any part of the 
head that is most affected. In some ca«es it will be proper to blister 
the whole head. In persons of a gross habit, issues "or perpetual 
blisters will be ofservice. The body ought likewise to be. kept open 
by gentle laxatives. 

But when the head-ach proceeds from a copious vitiated serum 
stagnating in the membranes, cither within or without the skull, 
with a dull, heavy, continual pain, which will neither yield to 
bleeding nov gentle laxatives, then more powerful purgatives are 
necessary, as pills made of aloes, resin of jalap, or the like. It will 
also be necessary in this case to blister the whole head, and to keep 
the back part of the neck open for a considerable time by a perpetu¬ 
al blister. 

When the head-ach is occasioned by the stoppage of a running at 
the nose, the patient should frequently smell to a bottle of volatile 
salts; he may likewise take snuff, or any thing that will irritate the 
nose, so as to promote a discharge from it; as the hero mastic h, 
ground ivy, &c, v ^ 


208 OF THE TOOTH.ACH. 

'• # ' s, ■ . , - . 

A hemicrania, especially a periodical one, is generally owing to 
foulness of the stomach, for which gentle vomits must be adminis¬ 
tered, as also purges of rhubarb. After the bowels have been suffi¬ 
ciently cleared, chalybeate waters, and such bitters as strengthen 
the stomach, will be necessary. A periodical head-ach has been 
cured by wearing a piece of flannel over the forehead during the 
night. 

When the head-ach arises from a vitiated state of the humours, as 
in (he scurvy aiid vehereal disease, the patient, after proper evacu¬ 
ations, must drink freely of the decoction of woods, or the deeoc- 
tion of sarsaparilla, with raisins and liquorice*. These, if duly 
persisted in, will produce very happy efleets. When a collection 
of matter is felt under the skin, it mast be discharged' , by an incision, 
otherwise it will render the bone carious. ,v 

When the head-ach is so intolerable as to endanger the patient's 
life, or is attended with continual watching and delirium recou.se 
must be had foopiales. The^ej after proper evacuations by clys¬ 
ters or mild’pui*gafi'ves, may be applied both externally and inter- 
rially. Ti re affected part may be rubbed with Bate's anodyne bal¬ 
sam, or a cloth dipped in it may be applied to the part. The pa¬ 
tient may, at the same time, take twenty drops of laudanum, in a 
cup of valerian or penny-royal tea, twice or thrice a day. This is. 
only to be done in case of extreme pain. Proper evacuations ought 
always to accompany and follow the use of opiatesf. 

When the patient caiinot bear tlie loss of blood, his feet ought 
frequently to be bathed in lukewarm water, and' well rubbed with a 
coarse cloth. Cataplasms with mustard or horse radish, ought like¬ 
wise to be applied to them! This course is peculiarly necessary 
when the pain proceeds from a gouty humour affecting the 
head. 

When the headrach is occasioned by great heat, hard labour or 
violent exercise of any kind,'it may be allayed by cooling medicines 
as the saline draught, with nitre, and the like. 

A little sellier, dropt into the palm of the hand, and applied to 
the forehead, will sometimes remove a violent head-ach. 


O F T H E T 0 .0 T I I - A C I I. 

i r 1 * . ' ' 'a y ‘< • v 

THIS disease is so well known, that it needs no description. It 
Iras great affinity with the rheumatism, and often succeeds pains of r 
the shoulders and other parts of the bwdy. 

It may proceed from obstructed perspiration, or any of the other 
causes of inflammation. I have often known-the toolh-aeh occasi¬ 
oned by neglecting some part of the usual coverings of the head, by 

* See Appendix, Decoction of Sarsaparilla.. 

t When the pain is very violent, and does not yield to fmall dofes of lau¬ 
danum, the quantity may be increafed. I have known a patient in extreme 
pain, take three hundred drops in twenty-four hours ; but fueh dofes ought 
only to be adminiitered by a perfon of frill, 

sitting 


OF THE TOOTH-ACII. SO? 

fitting with the head hare rear an open window, or exposing it 
to a draught of cold air. Food or drink taken either too hot or 
too cold i.s very hurtful to the teeth. Great quantities of sugar, oy 
oilier sweetmeats, are likewise hurtful. Nothing is more destruc¬ 
tive to the teeth than cracking nuts, or chewing any kind of hard 
substances, picking the teeth with pins, needles, or any thing that may 
hurt the enamel with which they are covered, does great mischief, 
as the tooth is sure to be spoiled whenever the air gets into it. 
Breeding women are very subject to the tooth-ach, especially dicing 
the first three or four months of pregnane y. The tooth-ach often pro¬ 
ceeds from scorbutic humours affecting the gums. In this rase tire 
teeth are sometimes wasted, and fall out without any considerable 
degree of pain. The more immediate cause of the tooth-ach is a rot¬ 
ten or carious tooth. 

In order to relieve the tooth-ach, we must first endeavour to les¬ 
sen the flux of humours to the part affected. This may be done bv 
mild purgatives, scarifying the gums, or applying leeches to them, 
and bathing the feet frequently with w arm water The perspiration 
ought likewise to be promoted, by drinking freely of w'eak w inc- 
, whey, or other diluting liquors, with small doses of nitre. Vomits 
too have often an exceeding good effect in the tooth-ach. It is sel¬ 
dom safe to administer opiates, or any kind of heating medicines, c* 
even to draw a tooth, till proper evacuations have been premised 
and these alone will often effect the cure. 

If this fails, and the pain and inflammation still increase, a sup¬ 
puration may be expected, to promote which aHoasted fig should 
be held between the gum and the cheek ; bags filled with boiled 
cl amomile-flowers, flowers of elder, or the; like, may be applied 
near the part affected, with as great a degree of warmth as the pa¬ 
tient can bear, and renewed as they grow cool r the patient may 
likewise receive the steams of warm water into his mouth, through 
an inverted funnel, or by holding his head over the mouth of a por¬ 
ringer filled w ith warm water. 

Such things as promote the discharge of. saliva, or cause the pa¬ 
tient to spit, are generally of service. For this purpose, bitter,, 
hot, or pungent vegetables may be chewed; as gentian, calamus 
yromaticus, or pellitory of Spain. Allen recommends,. the root of 
yelioiv ivatcr floicer~de~lu.ee in this case. This root may either be rub¬ 
bed upon the tooth, ora little of it chewed- Brookes says he hard¬ 
ly every knew it fail to ease the tooth-ach. It ought however to bo> 
used with caution. 

Many other herbs, roots, and seeds, are recommended for curing 
the tooth-ach ; as the leves or roots of millefoil or yarrow chewed! 
tobacco smoked or chewed, staves-acre, or the seeds of mustard, 
chewed, &c. These bitter, hot, and pungent things, by occasion- 
ing a greater flow of saliva , frequently give ease in the tooth-ach. 

Opiates often relieve the tooth-ach. For this purpose a litt le cot ¬ 
ton wet with laudanum may be held between the,teeth ; or a piece 
»f sticking plaster, about the bigness of a shilling, with a bit of 
opium in the midde of it, of a size not to prevent the sticking of the 
'other, may be laid on the temporal artery, where the pulsation is 

most < 




ib 


O F T I I E E A R - A C II. 


most sensible. De la 1 l/otte affirms, that there are few cases where* 
*'n this wiil not pave relief. If there be a hollow tooth, a small pill 

O . i I 

made of equal parts of camphire and opium, put into the hollow, 
is often beneficial. When this cannot be had, the hollow tooth 
may be filled w ith .gfim mastich; wax, lead, or any substance that 
will stick in it, and keep out the external air. 

Few applications give more relief in the toolh-ach than blistering- 
plasters. These may be applied between the shoulders; but they 
have the best effect when put behind the ears, and made so large as 
to cover a gre at part of the lower jaw. 

After all, when a tooth is carious, it is often impossible to remove 
the pain without extracting it ; and, as a spoilt looT never becomes 
sound agrin, it is prudent to draw it soon, lest it should affect the 
rest. Tooth-drawing, like bleeding, is very much practised by-me¬ 
chanics, as, well as persons of the medical profession The.opera¬ 
tion however is not without danger, and ought 'always to be perform¬ 
ed with cure. A person .unacquainted with the structure of .the 
parts will be in danger of hurting*the jaw-bone, or of drawing a 
sound tiioth'instead of a rotten one A 

When the tbolh-ach returns periodically, and the pain chiefly 

••affects the' rums, it rtia\ be cured bv the bark* 

* . .. 

Some pfetend Vo have found gr'eat benefit in the tooth-ach, from 
the application of an ‘•artificial magnet to the affected tooth. We 
shall not attempt to account for its mode of operation; but, if it be 
found to answer, though onlv in particular cases, it certainly deserves 
a trial, as it is attended with no expence, and cannot do any harm. 
Electricity has likew ise been recommended, ar.d particular instru¬ 
ments have been inf exited for sending a shock through the affected 
tootlr. - . _, 

Persons who have returns of the tooth-ach at certain seasons, as 
spring and autumn, might often prevent it bv taking a purge at these 
times. 

Keeping the teeth cledh has no doubt a tendency to prevent the 
too'th-ach. The best method of doing this, is to wash them daily 
with salt and water, a decoction of the bark, or with cold water 
alone. All brushing and scraping of the teeth is dangerous, and 
unless it he performed with great care, does mischief. 


b F THE EAK-AcH 

THhS disorder chiefly affects the membrane which lines the in*, er 
cavity of the ear, called the meatus auditorium It is ofieri so violent 
a# to occasion great restlessness, anxiety, and even delirium.— 
Sometimes epileptic fits, and other convulsive disorders, have beeil 
brought on by extreme pain in the ear. 

The ear-ach may proceed from ally of the causes which produce 

* This may sd.vqy? be prevented by the operator ftriking upon the teeth 
with any piece of rrutal, as this never fails to excite the pain in the carious 
tooth. 


influtntnatiun. 


PAIN OF THE STOMACH, ike. : m 


anflammation. It often proceeds from a sudden suppression of per¬ 
spiration, or from the head being exposed tocold when covered with 
sweat. It may also be occasioned by Worms, or other insects get- 
sting into the ear, or being bred there; or from any hard body stick¬ 
ing in the ear. Sometimes it proceeds from the translation of mor¬ 
bific matter to the ear. This often happens in the decline of malig¬ 
nant levers, and occasions deafness- Which is generally reckoned a. 
Favourable symptom. 

When the ear-ach proceeds from insects, or any hard body stick¬ 
ing in the earn every method must be taken to remove them as soon 
as possible. 1 he membranes may be relaxed, by dropping into the 
ear, oil of sweet almonds, or olive oil. Afterwards the patient 
should be made to sneeze, by taking snuff, or some strong sternuta¬ 
tory. If this should not force out the body, it must be extracted by 
art. I have seen insects, which had got into the ear, come out of 
their own accord noon pouring in oil. 

W hen the pain of the ear proceeds from inflammation, it must be 
treated like other topical inflammations, by a cooling regimen, and 
opening medicines. Bleeding at the beginning, either in the arm 
or jugular vein, or cupping in the neck, will be proper. The ear 
may likewise be fomented with steams of warm water; or flannel 
■•hags filed with boiled mallows and camomile-flowers may be appli¬ 
ed to it warm ; or bladders, filled with warm milk and vvater. An. 
exceeding good method of fomenting the ear, is to apply it close to 
the mouth of a jug filled with warm Water, or a strong decoction of 
Camomile-flowers. 

The patient's feet should be frequently bathed in lukewarm vvater, 
and lie ought to take small doses of nitre and rhubarb, viz. a scru¬ 
ple of the former, and ten grains of the latter, three tunes a-day.-— 
His drink may be whey, or decoction of barley and liquorice, with 
figs or raisins. The parts behind the ear ought frequently to be 
rubbed with camphorated oil, or a little of the volatile liniment. 

When the inflammation cannot be discussed, a poultice of bread 
and milk, or roasted onions, may be applied to the ear, and fre¬ 
quently renewed, till the abscess breaks, or can be opened Af¬ 
terwards tlie humours may be diverted from the part by gentle laxa¬ 
tives, blisters, or issues; but the discharge must not be suddenly 
dried up by any external application; 


PAIN OF THE STOMACH, fe 

THIS may proceed from various causes, as indigestion ; wind j 
the acrimony of the bile; sharp, acrid, or poisonous substances 
taken into the stomach, &c. It may likewise be occasioned by 
worms: die stoppage of customary evacuations; a translation o: 
goulv matter to the stomach, the bowels, &c„ 

-Women in the decline of life are very liable to pains of the sto¬ 
mach and bowels, especially such as are afflicted with hysteric com¬ 
plaints. It is likewise very common to hypochondriac* men of a seden- 

G g tary 


12 


PAIN OF THE STOMACH, Sic. 


tary and luxurious life. In such persons it often proves so extreme 
jy obstinate as to baffle all the powers of medicine. 

When the pain'of the stomach is most violent after eating, there 
s reason to 'suspect'that it proceeds from ‘some fault, either in the 
ligestion or the food. In this ease the patient ought to change his 
iiet, till he finds'what kind of food agrees best with his stomach, 
nd should continue chiefly to use it. If a change of diet does not 
emove the complaint, Lite patient may take a gentle vomit, and af- 
enyards a dose or two of rhubafb. He Ought likewise to take an 
ufusion of earm mile flowers, or some other stomachic bitter, either 
; ’.vine or water. I have often known exercise remove this com- 
lar.U, especially sailing, or a long journey on horseback, or in a 


image. 


When' a pain of the stomach proceeds from flatulency, die patient 
; constantly belch frig up wind, and feels an uneasy distention, of the 
tomarh after meals. This is a most deplorable disease, and is sel- ' 
om tfioroughlv cured. In general, the naiient ought to avoid all 
v indy diet, and everv thing that sours on the stomach, as.-greens, 
nob, &c. This rule however admits of some exception!?. There 
afe many instances of persons very much troubled with wind, who 
have received great benefit from eating parched pease, though that 
grain is generally supposed to be of a windy nature 4 ’ 1 

This complaint may likewise be greatly relieved by labour, 'espe¬ 
cially digging, reaping, mowing, or any kind of active employment 
by which the bowels are alternately compressed and dilated. The 
most obstinate case of this kind lever met with, was in a person of a 
sedentary occupation, whom I advised, after Re had tried every kind 
of medicine in vain, to turn gardener j which he did, and has ever 
since enjoyed good health. 

When a pain of the stomach is occasioned by the swallowing of 
acrid or poisonous substances, they must be discharged by vomit; 
this may be excited by butter, oils, or other soft things, which 
sheath and defend the stomach from the acrimony of its contents. 

When pain of the stomach proceeds from a translation of gouty 
matter, warm cordials are necessary, 'as generous wines, French 
brandy, 8cc. Some have drank a whole bottle ofbrandy or rum, in 
this case, in a few hours, without being in the'least ‘intoxicated, or 
even feeling thv stomach warmed by it. It is impossible to ascertain 
the quantity necessary upon these occasions. This must be left to 
the feelings and discretion of the patient. The safer way however, 
is, not to go loo far. When there is an inclination to” vomit, it 
may be promoted by drinking an infusion of camomile-flowers, or 
car duus 'be tied id as. 

If a pain of the stomach proceed from the stoppage of customary 
evacuations, bleeding will be necessary, especially in sanguine and 
very full habits. It will likewise be of use to keep the bodv gently 
open by mild-purgatives-; as rhubarb or senna. When this disease 

* Thefe are prepared by fteeping or foaking peafe in waier, and after 
wards drying them in a- pot or kiln, till they be. cuitc hard. They, may be 
ufied -at nleafi re. 


'affects 


213 


O F W O R M S. 

; V) , ipVVj <'L ' 

afreets women in the decline of life, after .the stoppage of tiie ?nen$es, 
making an issue in the leg or arm will be of peculiar service. 

When the disease is occasioned by worms, they must be destroy¬ 
ed, or expelled by such means as arp recommended in the following 
section. 

When the stomach is greatly relaxed and the digestion bad, which 
often occasion flatulencies, the elixir of vitriol will be of singular 
service. Fifteen or twenty drops of it may be taken in a glass of 
wine or water twice or thrice a-day. 

Persons afflicted with flatulency are generally unhappy unless they, 
be taking some purgative medicines ; these, though they may give 
immediate ease, (end to weaken and relax (lie stomach and bowels, 
and consequently increase the-disorder. Their best method is to 
mix purgatives and stomachics together. Equal parts of Peruvian 
bark and rhubarb may be infused in brandy or wine, and taken in 
such quantity as to keep the body gently open. 


G H A P.r XXXV. 

Q F W O R M S. 

T HESE are chiefly of three kinds, viz. the tania, or tape-worm $ 
the teres, or round and long worm ; and the ascarides, or round 
and short worm. There are many other kinds of worms found in the 
the human body ; but as they proceed, in a great measure, from si¬ 
milar causes, have nearly the same symptoms, and require almost 
the same method of treatment, as these already mentioned, we shall 
not spend time in enumerating them. 

The tape-worm .is white, very long, and. full of joints. It is ge¬ 
nerally bred either in the stomach or small intestines. The round 
and long worm is likewise bred in the small guts, and,.sometimes in 
the stomach. The round and short worms, commonly lodge in 
the rectum , or what is called the end gut, and occasion a disagreea¬ 
ble itching about the.seat. 

The long round worms occasion squeamishness, vomiting, a dis¬ 
agreeable breath, gripes, looseness, swelling of the belly, syrooq- 
ings, loathing of food, and at other times a. voracious appetite, a 
dry cough, convulsions, epileptic fits, and sometimes a privation oi 
speech. These worms have been known to perforate the intestines', 
and get into the cavity of the belly. The effects of the tape-worm 
are nearly the same with those of the long and round, but rather 
more violent. 

Andry says, the following symptoms particularly attend the se¬ 
ll um , which is a species of the tape-worm, viz. svVoonings, priva¬ 
tion of speech, and a voracious appetite. The round worms called 
wear ides, besides an itching of the anus, cause swooning*, and tenes¬ 
mus, or an inclination to go to stool. 

CAUSES.' 













4 . 


O F W O R M" S. 


CAUSES.-\\ r orms may .proceed from various causes- 


1 

OT'.u- 


they are seldom found except in weak and relaxed stomachs, where 
the digestion is bad. Sedentary persons are more liable to them 
than the active and laborious.. Those who eat great quantities of nn 
ripe fruit, or who live much cn raw herbs and rribts, arq generally 
subject to worms. There seems to be an hereditary disposition in 
some persons lo this disease, I. have often seen all the children 
of a family subject to worms of a particular kind. They sc.cn> like¬ 
wise frequently to be owing (o the nurse. Children of the same- 
family, nursed by one woman, have often worms, when those nurs¬ 
ed by another have none, 

SYMPTOMS.——The common symptoms of worms are, pale¬ 
ness of the countenance, qnd at other times, an universal flushing 
of the face ; itching of the nose; thi> however is doubtful, as chil¬ 
dren pjck their noses in all diseases ; starting, and grinding of the 
teeth in sleeo ; swelling, of the upper ; the appetite sometimes 
bad, at other times quite voraciouslooseness; a sour or stinking 
breath; a hard swelled belly; great thirst; the urine frothy, and 
somefimes of a whitish colour; griping, or colic pains; an invo- 
luntarv discharge of saliva, especially when asleep ; , frequent pains 
of the side, with a dry cough, ard unequal pulse; palpitations of 
the heart.; swooning':; cold sweats ; palsy; epileptic fits, with ma¬ 
il V other unaccountable nervous symptoms, which were formerly at¬ 
tributed to wifehcraft, or the influence of evil spirits. Small bodies 
in the excrements resembling melon or cucumber seed are symptoms, 
of fife tape-worm, 

I lately saw; some very surprising effects of worms in a girl about 
five years of age, who used to lie for whole hours as if dead. She 
at last, expired, and, upon opening her body, a number of the teres, 
or long round worms, were found in h.qr guts, which were consider¬ 
ably inhumed ; and what anatomists cal! an intus snsceptio. or involv¬ 
ing of one part of the gut within another, had taken place in no less 
than four Afferent parts of the intestinal canal * 

MEDICINE.——Though numberless medicines are extolled for 
expc 1'T.g and killing worms f, yet no disease more freqnenf.lv baffles 
the. physician's skill. In general; fhe most proper medicines for their, 
expulsion arc strong purgatives; and to prevent their breeding, sto¬ 
machic hitlers, with now and then a glass of good wine. 

The best purge for an adult is jalap and calomel. Five and twen¬ 
ty or thirty grains of the former with six or seven of t he latter, mix-' 
eel in syrup, may be taken early in tire morning, for a dose. It will 


* Th?X worms exift in the human body there can be nc doubt ; and. that, 
they rauft fometimes be confide red, as a difeafe, is equally certain ; but this 
is not the cafe fo often as people imagine. The idea that worms occasion 
may dilVates, give an opportunity to the profeiTcd' worm-do&ors, of impof- 
ing on the credulity r-f mankind, and doing much mil chief.’ They find 
worms m every cafe, and liberally throw in their antidotes, which general¬ 
ly confiit of ilrong, draftic purges. I have known thefe given indelicate 
coriftitutions to the defirinfiion of the patient, where there was not the ieafi 
ijmptom of worms. 

t A medical writer of the prefent age has enumerated upwards of fifty- 
Britifh plants, all cerebrated for killing and. expelling worms. 


be 





e> F Tv o 


1T> *T. f, 

iv M 



r 

1 A J 


be proper that the patient keen the heme all day, arid drink nothing 
void. ! he dose may be repeated once or twice a week for a for- 
night or thicm weeks. On the intermediate day's the patient may 
take a drachm of the powder of tin, twice or thrice a-day, mixed 
with syrup, honey, or treacle. 

Those who do not chuse to take calomel may make use of the bit¬ 
ter purgatives ; as aloes, hiera picra, tinture of senna, and rhubarb. 


S:c 


Oily medicines are sometimes found beneficial for expelling 
worms. An ounce of sallad oil and a table-spoonful of common salt 
may be taken in a glass of red port wine thrice a-day, or oftenetf, if 
the stomach wdl bear it. But the more common form of using oil 

in clysters. Oily clysters sweetened with sugar or honey, are ve¬ 
ry efficacious in bringing away the short round worms called ascari-. 
4 e &) and likewise the teres. 

1 he . Ha.rrowgafe water is an excellent medicine for expelling 
worms, especially the ascarides. As this water is impregnated with 
sulphur, w$ may lienee infer, that sulphur alone must be a good me¬ 
dicine in this case ; which is found to be a fact. Many practitioners 
give flour of sulphur ill very large doses, and with great success. 
It should be made info an electuary with honey or treacle, and taken 
in such quantity as to purge the patient. 

Where Harrowgate water cannot be obtained, sea-water may be 
used, which is far from being a contemptible medicine in this case, 
If sea-water cannot be had, common salt dissolved in water may be 
drank. I have often seen this used by country nurses with very good 
effect. Some flour of sulphur may be taken over night, and the 
salt-water in the morning. 

But worms, though expelled, will soon breed again, if the sto¬ 
mach remains weak and relaxed ; to prevent which, we would re¬ 
commend the Peruvian bark. Haifa drachm of b-ark in powder 
may be taken in a glass of red port wine three or four times a-day, 
after the above medicines have been used. Lime-water is likewise 
good for this purpose, or a table-spoonful of the chalybeate wine ta¬ 
ken twice or thrice a-day. Infusions or decoctions of bitter herbs 
may likewise be drank; as the infusion,of tansy, water trefoil, ca¬ 
momile flowers, tops of wormwood, the lessee centaury, &r. 

For a child of four or five years, old, six grains of rhubarb, five 
of jalap, and two of calomel, may be mixed in a spoonful of syrup 
or honey, and given in the morning. The child should keep the 
house all day, and take nothing cold. This dose rhay be repeated 
twice a-week for three or four weeks. On the intermediate clays 
the child may take a scruple of powdered tin arid ten grams of cethi- 
ons mineral in a spoonful of treacle twice a-day. This dose must be 
increased or diminished according to the age of the patient. 

Bisset says, the great bastard black hellebore, or bear'sfooi , is a 
most powerful vermifuge for the long round worms, lie orders the 
decoction of about a drachm of the green leaves, or about fifteen 
grains of the dried leaves in powder for a dose to a child between 
four and seven years of age. This dose is to be repeated two or 
three times. He adds, that the green leaves mad® into a syrup 

\ with 



OF THE JAUNDICE; 


w ilia coarse sugar, is almost the only medicine he has used for round 
worms for three years past. Before pressing out the juice he mois¬ 
tens the bruised leaves with vinegar, which corrects the medi¬ 
cine. The dose is a tea-spoonful at bed-time, and one or two next 
attorning. 

I have frequently, known those big bellies, which in children are 
commonly reckoned a sign of worms, quite removed by giving them 
white soap in their pottage, or other food. Tansy, garlic, and rue, 
are all good against worms, and may be used various ways. We 
might here mention many other plants, both for external and inter¬ 
nal use, as the cabbagerbark, 8zc. but think the powder of tin with 
rrthiops mineral, and the purges of rhubarb and calomel, are more 
to be depended on. 

Balk's purging vermifuge powder is a very powerful medicine. 
It is made of equal parts of rhubarb, scammony, and calomel, with 
as much double refried sugar as is equal to the weight of all the 
other ingredients. These must be well mixed together, and reduc¬ 
ed to a fine powder, 7'he close for a child is from ten grains to 
twenty, once or twice a week. An adult ma v take a drachm for a 
dose 

Parents wh<> would preserve their children from worms ought to 
allow them plenty of exerci c in the open air; to take care that their 
food be wholesome and sufficiently solid ; and, as far as possible, to 
prevent their eating raw herbs, roots, or green trashy fruits. It will 
not be amiss to allow a child who is subject to worms, a glass of 
red wine after meals; as every thing that braces and strengthens 
the stomach is. good both for preventing and expelling these very 
min f. 


CHAP. XXXVI. 

O. F THE JAUNDICE. 

HPHIS disease is first observable in the white of the eye, which 
JL appears yellow. Afterwards the whole skin puts on a yellow 
appearance. The virine too is of a saffron hue, and dies a white 

* A powder for the tape-worm refembling this, was long kept a fecret on 
the Continent ; it was lately purchafed by the French king, and will be 
found under the article Powder, in the Appendix. 

f We think it neceflary here to warn people of their danger who buy 
cakes, powders, and other worm medicines, at random, from quacks and 
give them to their children without proper card. The principal ingredients 
in molt of thefe medicines is mercury, which is never to be trilled with. I 
lately law a lhocking initance of the danger of this conduit. A girl who 
had taken a dofe of worm powder, bought of a travelling quack, went out, 
and perhaps was fo imprudent as to drink cold water during its operation. 
She immediately ('veiled, and died on the following day with all the fymptoms 
of having been poifoned. 


cloth 





b F T H E J A U N DIG E. 



cloth of the same colour. There is likewise a species of this disease 
called the Black Jaundice 

CAUSES.-The immediate cause of thejaundice is an obstruc¬ 

tion of the bile. The remote or occasional causes are, the bites of 
poisonous animals, as the viper, mad dog, &c the bilious or hys¬ 
teric colic ; violent,passions, as grief, anger, &c. Strong purges or 
vomits will likewise occasion the jaundice. Sometimes it proceeds 
from obstinate agues, or from that diseS.se being prematurely stop¬ 
ped by astringent medicines. In infants it is often occasioned by the 
meconium not being sufficiently purged olf. Pregnant wom'enare ve¬ 
ry subject to it. It is likewise a symptom in several kinds of fever. 
Catching cold, or the stoppage of customary evacuations, as the hen- 
ses, the bleeding piles, issues, &c. will occasion the jaundice, 

SYMPTOMS.--The patient at hrst complains of excessive 

weariness, and has great aversion to every kind of motion. His 
skin is dry, and he generally feels a kind of itching or pricking pain 
over the whole body. The stools are of a whitish or clay colour, 
and the urine, as was observed above, is yellow. The breathing 
is difficult, and the patient complains of an unusual load or oppres¬ 
sion on his breast. There is a heat in his nostrils, a bitter taste in 
the mouth, loathing of food, sickness of the stomach, vomiting* 
flatulency, and other symptoms of indigestion. 

If the patient be young, and the disease complicated with' no other 
malady, it is seldom dangerous; but in old people, where it con¬ 
tinues long, returns frequently, or is complicated with the dropsy or 
hypochondriac symptoms, it generally proves fatal. The black 
jaundice’Is more dangerous than the yellow. 

fR EG I MEN.--The diet should be cool, light, and diluting; 

consisting chiefly of ripe fruits and mild vegetables ; as apples boil¬ 
ed or roasted, stewed prunes, preserved plumbs, boiled spinnage, 
&C. Veal or chicken broth, with light bread, are likewise very 
proper. Many have been cuied by living almost wholly for some 
days on raw eggs. The drink should be butter-milk, whey sweet¬ 
ened with honey, or decoctions of cool opening vegetables; or 
marsh-nallow roots, with liquorice, &pc. 

The patient should take as much exercise as he can bear, either 
on horseback;, or in a carriage; walking, running, and even jumping* 
are likewise proper, provided he can bear them without pain, and 
there be no symptoms of inflammation. Patients have been often 
cured of this disease by a long journey, after medicines had proved 
ineffectual. 

F* Amusements are likewise ofgreat use in the jaundice. The dis¬ 
ease is often occasioned by a sedentary life, joined to a dull melan¬ 
choly disposition. Whatever therefore tends to promote the circu¬ 
lation, and to cheer the spirits, must have a good effect; as dancing, 
laughing, singing, &c. 

MEDICINE--If the patient be young, of a full sanguine ha¬ 

bit, and complains of pain in the right side about the region of 
the liver, bleeding will be necessary. Alter this a vomit must be 
administered, and if the disease proves obstinate, it may be repeat¬ 
ed once or twice. No medicines are more beneficial in the jaundice 

than 






Si 8 


o 


F 


T H E 


R OPS Y. 


than vomits, especially where ibis not attended with inflammatidii* 
Half a drachm of ipecacuanha in powder, will be a sufficient dose 
for an adult, it‘may be wrought-.off’ with weak camomile-tea, or 
lukewarm water. The body must likewise be kept open by taking 
a sufficient quantity of ‘.Castile soap, or the pills for the jaundice re¬ 
commended in the Appendix. 

Fomenting the parts .akput the region of the stomach and liver, 
and rubbing them with a warm hand or flesh-bru.sjy, are likewise be¬ 
neficial ; b'hl if. is still more m> for the patient to sit in a bath of warm 
water up U> the breast.. tie ought to do this frequently, and should 


continue in it as tong a* ms strength wu; permit. 

Many dirty things are recommended for the cure of the jaundice ; 
as lice,' millepede;. Ere. Uut these do more harm than good, as 
people trust to them, and neglect more valuable medicines ; besides 
they are seldom taken in sufficient quantity to produce any effects*. 
People always expect that such things should act as. charms, and 
consequently seldom persist iu the use of them. Vomits, purges, 
fomentations, -and exercise, will seldom fail to cure the jaundice 
when it is a-simple disease; and when complicated with the drop¬ 
sy, a scirrhous liver, or other chronic complaints, it is hardly to be 
cured by any means. ... 

Numberless BritAh herbs are extolled for the cure cf this disease 
The author of the AJadicina Britan idea men i ions near a hundred, all 
famous for earring the jaundice. The fact is, the disease often goes 
•offof its own accord ; in which case the last medicine is always said 
to have performed the cure. I have sometimes, however, seen con¬ 
siderable benefit, in a very obstinate jaundice, from a decoction of 
hempseed Four ounces of the seed may be boiled in two English 
quarts of ale, and sweetened with coarse sugar. The dose is half 
an English pint every morning. It may be continued for eight or 
$ine days. 

i have likewise known Harrowgate Sulphur water cure a jaundice 
of very long standing. It should be used for some weeks, and the 
patient must boll* drink and bathe. 

The soluble tartar rs a very proper medicine in the jaundice. A 
drachm of it may be taken every night and morning in a cup of tea 
or water-gruel. If it does not open the body, the dose may be in¬ 
creased. 

Persons subject to the jaundice ought to take as much exercise as 
possible, and to avoid all healing and astringent aliments. 


c H A P. XXXVII. 

O F T II E DROPS Y. 

T HE dropsy is a preternatural swelling of the whole body, or 
some part of it occasioned bv a collection of watery humour. 
It is distinguished by different names> according to the part Affect¬ 
ed, 




219 


OF THE D I G P S Y. 

ed, as the anasarca, or collection of water under the skin; the 
'ascites, or collection of water in the belly; the hydrops pectoris , 
or dropsy of the breast; the hydrocephalus, or dropsy of the brain, 

CAUSES.-The dropsy is otten owing loan hereditary dispo¬ 

sition, It may likewise proceed from drinking ardent spirits, or 
other strong liquors. It is true almost to a-proverb, that great 
drinkers died the dropsy. The want of exercise is also a very 
common cause of the dropsy, Hence it is justly reckoned among 
the diseases of the sedentary. It often .procreeds from excessive 
evacuations, as frequent and copious bleeding, strong purges often, 
repeated, frequent salivations, &c. -The sudden stoppage of custo¬ 
mary or necessary evacuations, as the menses, the htemcr;hoids, fluxes 
of the bellv, &c. may likewise cause a dropsy./- 

1 have knovvn the dropsy occasioned by drinking large quantities 
of cold, weak, watery liquor, when the body was heated by violent 
exercise. A low, damp or marshy situation is likewise a frequent 
cause of it. Hence it is a common disease in moist, flat, fenny 
countries. It may also be brought on by a long use of. poor watery 
diet, or of viscous aliment that is hard of digestion. It is often the 
e fleet of other diseases, as the jaundice, sl scirrhus of the liver, a vio¬ 
lent ague of long continuance, a diarrhcea, dysentery, an empyema, 
or a consumption of the lungs; In short; whatever obstructs the 
perspiration, or prevents the blood from being duly prepared, may 
occasion a dropsy. 

SYMPTOMS.-The anas area generally begins with a swelling 

of the feel and ancles towards night, which for some time disappears 
in the morning. In the evening the parts, if pressed with the fin¬ 
ger, will pit. The swelling gradually ascends, and occupies the 
trunk of the body, the arms, and the head. • Afterwards the breath¬ 
ing becomes difficult, the urine is in small quantity, and the-thirst 
great; the body is bound, and the perspiration is greatly obstructed. 
To these succeed torpor, heaviness, a slow, wasting fever, and a 
troublesome cough. This last is generally a fatal symptom, as it 
shews that the lungs are affected. • w ' 

In an ascites, besides the above symptoms, there is a swelling of 
the belly, and often a fluctuation, which may be perceived by strik¬ 
ing the belly on one side, and laying the palm of the hand on the 
opposite. This may be distinguished from a tympany by the - weight 
of the swelling," as well as by the fluctuation. When the anasarca 
and ascites are combined, the case is very dangerous. Even a simple 
ascites seldom admits of a radical cure. Almost all that can be done 
is, to let off the water by tapping, which seldom affords more than 
a temporary relief, - . 

When the disease comes suddenly on, and the patient is young 
and strong, there is reason, however, to hope for a cure, especially 
if medicine be given early. Bud if the patient be old, has led an 
irregular or a sedentary life, or if there be reason to suspect that the 
liver, lungs, or any of the viscera are unsouud, there is great rea¬ 
son to fear that the consequences will prove fatal. 

REGIMEN.--The patient must abstain as much as possible, 

H h from 






220 


OF THE DROP 


from all drink, especially weak and watery liquors, ai d must quorffh 
his thirst. With nmstarcl-whey, or acids, as juice or lemons, orange 
sorrel, or such -like. His aliment ought to v b$ dry, of-u stimulating 
and diuretic quality, as toasted bread, the flesh of birds, or other w ild 
animals roasted ; pungent and aromatic vegetables, as garlic, mus¬ 
tard, onions, cresses, horse-radish, rocambole., shal-ot, &c. < He may 
also eat sea-biscuit dipt in wine or a little brandy. 'This is not only 
nourishing, but tends to quench thirst. Some have been actually 
cured-of a dropsy by a total abstinei.ee from all liquids, and living 
entirely upon Erich things as-are mentioned above. 11 the patient 
mu t have drink, li e Spa-water, or Rhenish wine., with-diuretic 
medicines infused in il, .a*e the best. 

Exercise is of the greatest importance m a dropsy, it tkeypatiemt 
be able to walk., dig, or the like, lie ought to continue rhese exer¬ 
cises as long as he can. If he is not able to walk or labour, he must 
jide on horseback, or in a carriage, and the more violent the motion 
so much the better, provided he can bear it. His bed ought to be 
hard, and the air of his apartments warm and-dry. if he lives in a 
damp country, hv. ought to be removed into a dry Dne, and, it possi¬ 
ble, into a-warmer climate. In word, every method should be taken 
to promote the perspiration, and to brace the solids. For this pur. 
pose ii will likewise be proper to rub the patient’s body, two or three 
times a-day, with a hard cloth, or the Ilesh-brush ; and he ought con¬ 
stantly to wear flannel next his skin. 


MEDICINE.-If the patient be young, his constU-utien gooVI, 

and the disease has come on suddenly, it may generally be remove'd 
by strong vomits, br isk purges, and such medicines as. promote a 
discharge by sweat and urine. For an adult, half a drachm of ipe¬ 
cacuanha in powder, and half an ounce of oxymel of squills, will 
be a proper vomit. This may be repeated as often -as is found .ne¬ 
cessary, linee or four days intervening between the doses The pa¬ 
tient must not drink much atker taking the vomit, otherwise he des¬ 
troys its -effect. A cup or two of camomile-tea will be urflicienl 
to work it off. 


Between each vomit, on one of the intermediate days, Che patient 
may take the folio wing purge : Jalap in powder hall a drachm, 
•cream of tartar two drachms,, calomel six grains. These may be 
made into a bolus with a litte syrup of pale roses, mid taken early 
in the morning. 1 he less tire patient drinks after it the better. 
If he be much griped, he may now and then take a cup of chicken- 
broth. 


The patient may likewise take every might at bed-time the follow¬ 
ing bolus : To four or five grains of camphor add one grain of 
opium, and as much syrup of orange-peel as is sulheient to make 
them into a bolus. Tins will generally promote a gentle sweat, 
which should be encouraged by drinking now and then a small cup 
of wine-whey, with a tea-spoonful of the spirits of hartshorn in it 
A tea-cupful of the following diuretic infusion may likewise be ta¬ 
ken very four or five hours through the da) : 

Take juniper berries, mustard-seed, and horse-radish, of each 
ihal; an ounce, ashes of broom half a pound ; infuse them in a quart 

m 












OF T II E DROP S Y. 


oo 1 

—*- 

effTTfienish wine or strong ale for a few days, and afterwards strain 
otf the liquor. Such as canrot take this infusion, may use the de¬ 
coction of seneka-root, which is both duretie and sudorific. I have 
known an obstinate anasarca cured by an infusion of the ashes of 
broom in wine.' 

The above course will often cure an incidental dropsy, if the con¬ 
stitution be good ; but when the disease proceeds from a bad habit, 
or an unsound ^tate of the viscera, .strong purges and vomits are 
not to be ventured upon; In this case* .the safer course is to pal¬ 
liate the symptoms by the use of such medicines as promote the se¬ 
cretions, and to support the patient’s strength by warm and nourish- 
ing.cordialsc- 

The secretion of urine may be greatly promoted by nitre. Brookes 
says, lie knew a young woman who was cured of a dropsy by taking 
a. drachm of nitre every morning in a draught of ale, after she had 
been given over as incurable,- The powder of squills is likewise a 
good diuretic.- Six or eight grains of it, with a scruple of nitre, 
may be given twice a-day in a glass of strong cinnamon-water. Ball 
savs, a large spoonful of unbruised mustard-seed taken every night 
aivl morning, and drinking half an English pint of the decoction of 
the tops of green broom after it, has performed a cure after other 
powerful medicines irad proved ineffectual,^ 

1 have sometimes seen- good effects from cream of tartar in this 
disease. It promotes the discharges by-stool and urine, and will at 
last palliate, if it does not perform a cure. The patient may begin 
by taking an ounce every second or third day, and may increase the 
quantity to two or even to three ounces, if tire stomach will bear it. 
This quantity is not however to be taken at once, but divided into 
three or four doses. 

To promote perspiration, the patient may use fhedecoction of se¬ 
neka-root, as directed above ; or he may take two table-spoonsfuh 
of Mindererus’s spirit in a cup of wine-whey three or four times a- 
day. To promote adisohargeof urine, the following infusion of the 
.London hospitals will likewise be beneficial:; 

Take of zedoary-root two drachms ; dried squills, rhubarb, and 
juniper-berries bruised* of each-a drachmy cinnamon in powder, 
"three drachms; salt of wormwood, a drachm and a half;-infuse in 
an English pint and a half of old hock wine, and when fit for use, 
filter the liquor,. A wine-glass of it may be taken three or four rimes 
a-day.. 

In the anasarca it is usual to scarify’the reel and legs. By this 
means the water is often discharged; but the operator must be 
cautious not to make the incisions too deep ; they ought barely to 
pierce through the skin, and especial care must be taken, by spiritu¬ 
ous fomentations and proper digestives, to prevent a gangrene. 

In an acites, when the disease does not evidently and speedily give 
way to purgative and diuretic medicines the water ought to be let 
off by tapping. This is a very simple and safe operation, and would 
often succeed, if it were performed in due time; but if it be delay¬ 
ed till the humours are vitiated, or the bowels spoiled, by long soak¬ 
ing- 


12 


O F 


T H E GOUT. 


r 

] 


mg in water, it can hardly be expected that any permanent relie 
will be procured 

After the evacuation <vf the water, the i r 'ient is to be p.ut on a 
course of strengthening mddiones : as the Pc. uvian barb ; the elixir 
of vitriol; warm aromitic«, wit h a v tie proper on of rhubarb, infus¬ 
ed in wine, and such like. His diet ought to be !, v and nourishing., 
sucli as is recommended in the beginning f the Chapter; and he-, 
rhouid take as much exercise as he can bc-wr \ uhout fatigue. Ke 

n 

should wear Handel next his skin, and make daily use of the flesh-' 
brush.. .1, . . . 


C H A P. XXXVIII. 

O F THE G O U T. 

T HERE is no disease which shews the imperfection of medicine, 
or sets the advantages of temperance and exercise in a strong- . 
er light, than the gout., Excess and. idleness are the true sources from, 
whence it originally sprung, and all who would avoid it must be ac¬ 
tive and temperate. , • ... : 

Though idleness and intemperance are the principal causes of the 
gout, yet many other things may contribute to bringon the disorder 
in those who are r ot, and to induce a paroxysm in those who are" sub¬ 
ject to it ; as intense study ; too free an use of acidulated liquors ; 
night-watching; grief or uneasiness of mind; an obstruction or ■ de¬ 
lect of any of the customary discharges, as. the menses, sweating of 
the feet, perspiration, &c. s 

SYMPTOMS-A fit of the gout is generally preceded by in¬ 

digestion. drowsiness, belching of wind, a slight head-acb, sick¬ 
ness, and sometimes vomiting. The patient complains of weariness 
and dejection of spirits, and has often a pain in the. limbs, with a 
sensation, as if wind or cold water were passing down the thigh.— 
The appetite is often remarkably keen a day or two before the fit, 
and there is a slight pain in pas ing urine, and frequently an involun¬ 
tary shedding of tears. Sometimes these symptoms are much more 
violent, especially upon the near approac h of the fi4 ; and it has 
been observed, that as is the fever which ushers in the gout, so will 
the fit be ; if the fever,be short and sharp, the lit will be so likewise ; 
if it be feeble, long, and lmgoririgf the fit. will be such also. But 
this observation can only- hold with respecAto very regular fits of the 
gout. •' ' V - . V . .. - j 

* The very name of an operation is dreadful to moil people, and they with 
to try every thing before they have, recourfe to it. This ns the reafon why- 
tapping fo feldom fucceeds to our with. I have had a patient who was regu¬ 
larly tapped once a month f r feveraJ years, and who ufedvto eat her dinner 
as well after the operation as if nothing happened. She died at laft rather . 
worn out by age than by the difeafe. - r , 



The 






223 


O f T II E G Q U T. 

The regular gout generally makes its attack in the spring or begin¬ 
ning of winter, in the following manner: About two or three in 
the morning, the patient is seized with a pain in his great toe, some- 
:^mes in the heel, and at other times in the ancle or calf of the leg.— 
Tnw pain is accompanied with a sensation as if cold water were 
poured upon the part, which is succeeded by a shivering, with 
some degree of fever. Afterwards the pain increases, and fixing 
among the small bones of the foot, the patient feels all the different 
kinds of torture, as if the part were stretched, burnt, squeezed, 
gnawed, or torn in pieces. The part at length becomes so exqui¬ 
sitely sensible, that the patient cannot bear to have it touched, or 
even suffer any person to walk across the room. 

The patient is generally in exquisite torture for twenty four hours, 
from the lime of the coming on of the fit: he then becomes easier, 
(he part begins to swell, appears red., and is covered with a little 
moisture. Towards morning he drops asleep, and generally falls 
Into a gentle breathing sweat. This terminates the first paroxysm, 
a number of w hich constitutes a fit of the gout ; which is longer or 
shorter, according to the patient's age, strength, the season of the 
year, and,the disposition- of the body to this disease. 

The patient is always worse towards night, and easier in the 
morning. The paroxysms however generally grow milder every day, 
till at length the disease is carried off by perspiration, urine and 
the other evacuations. In some patients this happens in a few days; 
in others it requires weeks, and in some, months, to finish the fit. 
Those whom age and frequent fits of the gout have greatly debilita¬ 
ted, seldom get free from it before the approach of summer, and 
sometimes not till it be pretty far advanced. 

f^EGIMEN.-As there are no medicines yet known that will 

cure the gout, we shall confine our observations chiefly to regimen, 
both in and out of the fit. 

In the fit, if the patient be young and strong, bis diet ought to be 
thin and cooling, and his drink of a diluting nature; but where the 
constitution is weak, and the patient has been accustomed to live 
high, this is net a proper time to retrench. In this case he must keep 
nearly to his usual diet, and should take frequently a cup of strong 
negus, or a glass of generous wine. Wine-w hey is a very proper 
drink in this case, as il promotes the perspiration wdthout greatly 
heating the patient. It will answ ; er this purpose better it a tea¬ 
spoonful of sal volatile oltouwi, or spirits of hartshorn, be put in to; a 
cup of it twice a-day. It will likewise be proper to give at bed¬ 
time a"tea-spoonful of the volatile tincture of guaiacum in a large 
draught of warm wine whey. ' This will greatly promote perspira¬ 
tion through the night. 

As the most safe and efficacious method of discharging the gouty 
matter, is by perspiration, this ought to be kept up by all means, 
especially in the affected part. For this purpose, the leg and foot 
should be wrapt in soft flannel, fur, or wool. The last is most rea¬ 
dily obtained, and seems to answer the purpose better than any tiling 
else. The people of. Lancashire look upon wool.as a kind of spe¬ 
cific in the gout. They wrap a great quantity of it about die leg 

and 



and foot affected, and cover it with a >skin of soft dressed leathers 
This they suffer to continue for eight or ten days, and sometimes for 
a fortnight or three weeks, or longer, if the pain does not cease. 

I never knew any .external application answer so well in the gout. 
I" have often seen it applied when the swelling and inflammation 
were very great, with violent pain; and have found all these symp- 
loms relieved by it in a few days.; The wool which they use is ge¬ 
nerally greased, and carded or combed. They choose the softest" 
which can be had, and seldom or never remove it till the fit be en¬ 
tirely gone off,. 

The patient ought likewise to be kept quiet and easy during the 
fit. Every tiling.that affects the mind disturbs the paroxysm, and 
tends to throw the gout upon the nobler parts.' All external ap¬ 
plications that repel the matter are to be avoided as death. 1 hey 
do not cure the disease, but remove it from a safer to a more dan¬ 
gerous part of the-body, where it often proves fatal. A fit of the 
gout is to be considered as Nature’s method of removing something 
that might prove destructive to the body, and all that we can do with 
sifcty, is to promote her intentions, and to assist her in expelling 
the enemy in her own wav.. Evacuations by bleeding, stool, &c. 
are likewise to be used with caution, they do not remove the cause- 
of the disease, and sometimes by weakening the patient, prolong 
the fit; but where the constitution is able to bear it, it will be of 
use !o keep the body gently open, by diet, or very mild laxative me¬ 
dicines. 


Many tilings will indeed shorterr a lit of the goat, and some will 
drive it off altogether : but nothing has yet been found which will 
do this with safety to the patient. In pain vve eagerly grasp at any 
thing that promises immediate ease,.and even hazard life itself for 
a temporary relief. This is the true reason why so-many infallible 
remedies have been proposed for the gout,.and why such'numbers 
have lost their lives by the use of them. It would be as prudent to 
stop the small-pox from rising, and to drive them into the blood, as 
to attempt to repel the gouty matter after it has been thrown upon 
the extremities. The latter is as much an eflort of Nature to free 
herself from an offending eau.se as the former, and ought equally to 
be promoted. 

When the pain however is very great, and the patient is restless, 
thirty or forty drops of laudanum, more or less, according to the 
violence of the symptoms, may be taken at betT-time. This will 
ease the pain, procure rest, promote perspiration,, and forward the 
crisis of the disease. 

After the fit is over, the patient ought to take a-gentle dose or two 
of the bitter tincture of rhubard, or some other warm stomachic 
purge. He should also drink a weak infusion of stomachic bitters 
in small wine or ale, as the Peruvian bark, with cinnamon, Virgi¬ 
nian snake-root, and orange-peel. The diet.at this time should be 
light, but nourishing, and gentle exercise ought to be taken on horse¬ 
back, or in a carriage. 

Out of the fit, it is in the patient’s power to do many things to¬ 
wards preventing a return of the disorder, or rendering the fit, v if. 

it 





•o F T H E <G o u nr. 


-2S£ 


it should return, less severe. This, however, is'not to be attempt¬ 
ed by medicine I have frequently known the gout kept off for se¬ 
veral years by the Peruvian bark and other astringent medicines ; 
but in all the cases where I had occasion to see this tried, the per¬ 
sons died suddenly, and, to all appearance, for want of a regular 
fit of the gout. One would be apt, from hence, "to conclude, that 
a fit of the gout, to some constitutions, in the decline of life, is ra¬ 
ther salutary than hurtful. 

"Though it may be dangerous to stop a fit of Ihe'gout by medicine, 
yet if the constitution can be so changed by diet-and exercise, as to 
lessen or totally prevent its return/there certainly can be no danger 
in following such a course. "It is well known -that the whole habit 
may be so altered by a proper regimen, as quite to eradicate this dis¬ 
ease ; and those only who have sufficient resolution to persist in such 
a course have reason to expect a cure. 

The course which we would recommend for preventing the gout, 
is as follows : In the first place, universal temperance. In the next 
pla sufficient exercise *. By this we do not mean sauntering about 
in an indolent manner, but labour, sweat, and toil. These only can 
render the humours wholesome, and keep them so. Going early to 
bed, and rising betimes, are alsoof grearimportance. It is like¬ 
wise proper to avoid night stadies, and all intense thought. The 
supper should be light, and taken early. All strong liquors, espe¬ 
cially generous wines and souixpunch, are to be avoided. 

We would likewise recommend some doses of magnesia alba, and 
rhubarb to be taken every spring and autumn ; and afterwards a 
course of stomachic bitters, as tansy or wafer-trefoil tea, an infu¬ 
sion of gentian and camomile flowers, or a decoction of burdock 
root, &e. Any of these, or an infusion of any wholesome bitter 
that is more agreeable to the patient, may be drank for two or three 
weeks in March and October, twice a-day. An issue or perpetual 
blister has a great tendency to prevent the gout. If these were 
more generally used in the decline of lite, they would rot only of- 
-ten prevent the gout, but also other chronic maladies. Such as can 
afford to.go to Bath, will find great benefit from bathing and drink¬ 
ing the water. It both promotes digestion, and invigorates the habit. 

Though there is little room for medicine during a regular fit of 
the gout, yet when it leaves the extremities, ami falls on some of 
the internal parts, proper applications to .recall and fix it, become 
-absolutely necessary. When the gout affects tfie head, the pryiiy of 
the joints ceases, and the swelling disappears, while either severe 
head-ach, drowsiness, trembling, giddiness, .convulsions, or delirium 
come on. When it seizes the lungs, great oppression, with cougli 
and difficulty of breathing, ensue. If it attacks the stomach, ex¬ 
treme sickness, vomiting, anxiety., pain in the epigrastric region, 
and total loss of strength, will succeed. 

* Some make a fecret of curing the gout by muscular exercise. This 
fecret, however, is as old as Celfus, who ilrongly recommends that mode cf 
-erne ; and whoever will fubmit to it, in the fulleft exttnt, rpay expe& to reap 
folid and permanent advantages. 

. Wh fcn 




QO 


150 


OF TII E RIIE U M A T 1 S M 


When the gout attacks the head or lungs, every method must be 
taken to fix it in the feet.. They must be frequently bathed in warm 
v-tier, and acrid cataplasms applied to th e soles. Blistering plas- 
•ters ought likewise to be applied to the ancles or calves of the legs. 
Bleeding m the feet or ancles, is also necessary', and warm stomach¬ 
ic purges. The patient ought to keep ill bed I of tire most part, if 
.there beany signs of inflammation, and should be very careful not 
fd catch cold. 

If it attack the stomach with sj. sense of cold, the most warm cor¬ 
dials are necessary ; as strong wine boiled up with cinnamon or 
other spices cinnamon-water ; peppermint-water.; and even 
• brandy or rum*. The patient should keep his bed,, and endea¬ 
vour to promote a. sweat, by drinking .warm liquors; and if he 
should be troubled with a nausea, or inclination to vomit, he 
may drink came mile-tea, or any thing that will make him vomit 
freely, ' ... 


When the gout attacks the kidneys, and imitates gravel-pains; the 
jpatient ought to drink freely of a 'decoction of marsh-mallows, and 
'to-have the parts fomented with warm water. An emollient clyster 
ought likewise to be given, and afterwards an. opiate. If the. pain 
he very violent; twenty, or thirty drops of laudanum may be taken 
i va cup of the dec option* v 

Persons who have' had the gqtjt should, he very attentive to any 
complaints that may happen to them about the time when they have 
reason 15 expect a return of tiie fit. The .gout imitates many, other 
disorders, and by being mistaken for them, ancl treated improperly, 
is often diverted from its regular course; to the great danger 6t the 
patient's life. , k 

Those who never had the gout, but who, froifi their constitution 
or (banner of living, liave reason to expect it, ought likewise to be 
-very circumspect with regard to its first approach. If the disease, 
by wrong conduct or improper medicines, be diverted from its regu¬ 
lar course/ the miserable patient has a chance to be ever, after tor¬ 
mented with beach-aches, cough?, pains of the stomach and intes¬ 
tines ; and to fall at last a victim to its attack upon some of the 
more noble parts. 


OF THE RHEUMATISM. 

THIS disease has often a resemblance to the gout. It generally 
attacks the joints with exquisite pain, and is sometimes attended with 
in Summation and swelling. It is most common in the spring, and 
towards the end of autumn. It is usually distinguished into acute 
and chronic; or the rheumatism with or without a fever. 

CAUSES. -The causes of a rheumatism are frequently the 

same as those of an inflammatory fever, viz. an obstructed perspi¬ 
ration, the.immoderate use of strong liquors, and the like. Sudden 
changes of the weather, and all quick transitions from heat to cold, 

* iEther is found to be an efficacious remedy m thi» cafe. 


are 











OF THE RHEUMATISM. 


227 


are very apt to occasion the rheumatism. The most extraordinary 
case of a rheumatism that I ever saw, here almost even jo'ot of 
the burly was distorted, ,was a man who used w work ope part, of 
the day by fire, and the other part of it in water. Yon obstinate 
rheumatisms have likewise been brought on by persons not accustom¬ 
ed to it, allowing their.feet to continue lone; wet. The sdme effects 
are often produced by wet clothes, damp beds, sitting or lying on the 
damp ground, travelling in the night, &c. 

The rheumatism may likewise be occasioned by excessive evacua¬ 
tions, or the stoppage of customary discharges. It is often the ef¬ 
fect of chronic diseases, which vitiate the humours ; as the scurvv, 
the lues venerea, obstinate autumnal agues, &c. 

The rheumatism prevails in cold, damp, marshy countries. It is 
most common among the poorer sort of peasants, who are ill clothed, 
live in low damp houses, and eat coarse and unwholesome food, 
winch contains .but little nourishment, and is,not easily digested. 

SYMPTOMS.—?-The 'acute lheumatism. commonly begins with 

weariness, shivering, a quick pulse, restlessness, thirst, and other 
symptoms of fever. Afterwards the patient complains of flying 
pains, which are increased by the least motion. These at, length fix 
in the joints, which are qftpn affected,with swelling and inflammati¬ 
on. If blood be let in this disease, it has generally the same ap¬ 
pearance as in the pleurisy. 

In this kind of rheumatisrfi the treatment of the patient is nearly 
the same as in an acute.cr inflammatory fever. If he be young and 
strong, bleeding is necessary, which may be repeated according to 
the exigencies of the case. The body ought likewise to be kept 
.open by emollient clysters, of.cool opening liquors; as decoctions of 
tamarinds, cream of tartar, whev, senna-tea, and the like. The 
diet should be light, and in small quantity, consisting chief?y~x>k 
roasted apples, groat-gruel, or weak chicken broth. After the feve¬ 
rish symptoms have abated, if the pain still continues, the patient 
must keep his bed,, and rake such things as promote perspiration, as 
wine-whey, with spirit us Mindereri , &c. He may likewise take, for 
a few nights, at bed-time, in a cup of wine-whey, a drachm of the 
cream of tartar, and half a drachm of gum of guaiacum in powder. 

Warm bathing, after proper evacuations,, has often an exceeding 
good effect. The patient may either be put into a bath of warm 
water, or have cloths wrung out of it applied to the parts affected* 
Great care must be taken that he do not catch cold after bathing. 

The chronic rheumatism is seldom attended with any considerable 
degree of fever, and is generally confined-to some particular part c.-t 
the body, as the shoulders, the back, or the loins. There is seldom 
any inflammation or swelling in this case. Persons in the decline 
of life are most subject to the chronic rheumatism. In such pati¬ 
ents it often proves extremely obstinate and sometimes incurable. 

In this kind of rheumatism the regimen should be nearly the same 
as in the acute. Cool an*1 diluting diet, consisting chiefly of vege 
table substances, as stewed prunes, coddled' apples, currants o 
goose-berries boiled in milk, is most proper. Arbulhnot says, T,Ii 
there be a specific in aliment for the rheumatism, it is certainly 

I i whey;” 





22 


o 


OF THE RI1EUM-AT 


whey and adds, " That he knew a person subject to this disdfe.^ 
who could never be cured by any other method but a diet of whey 
and bread.” , He likewise says, "'That cream of tartar in water- 
gru.el, taken for several days, will ease rheumatic pains considera¬ 
bly/’ This 1 have often experienced, but found it always more 
.edicacious when joined with gum guaiacum, as already directed.— 
fn this case, ti.; patient may take the dose formerly mentioned, twice 
a-day, and likewise a tea-spoonful of the volatile tinc ture ol gum 
guaiacum, at bed-time, in wine-vdicy. . 

This eotvrsc may be continued for a week, or longer, if the case 
proves obstinate, and the patient’s strength will permit. .U ought 
the'n to !h omitted for a few day's., and repeated again. A t the same 
time leeches or a blistering-plaster may be applied to the part af- 
f tied, What 1 have generally found answer better than either of 
these, irfibbstinale fixed rheumatic pains, is the tver?;: piaster*. . I 
have likewise known a plaster of Burgundy-pitch worn fur some tore 
on the part affected, give great relief in rheumatic pains. My 
ingenious friend Dr. Alexander, of Edinburgh, stay's, lie has fre¬ 
quently cured very obstinate rheumatic pains, by rubbings the part 
affected, with tincture of cantharidcs. When the common tincture 
did not succeed, lie used it of a double or treble strength. Clip¬ 
ping upon the part affected, is likewise often very beneficial, and so 
is the application of leeches. 

Though this disease rnav not seem 'to yield to‘medicines for some 
time, yet they ought still to he persisted in. Persons who are sub- 
ject to frequent returns of the rheumatism, will often find their ac¬ 
count in using medicines-, whether they be immediately affected with 
flie disease or not. The chronic rheumatism is similar to the gout in 
(his respect, that the most proper time for using medicines to extir¬ 
pate it, is when the patient is most free from the disorder. 

To those who can afford the expence, I would recommend the 
warm baths of Buxton or Matlock in Derbyshire. These have, 
often, to my knowledge; c ilrecl very obstinate rheumatisms, and are 
always safe either in or but of the fit. When the rheumatism is 
complicated with scorbutic. complaints, which is not seldom the case, 
tin; Harrowgate waters, and those of Moffat, are -proper. Thev 
slfiuild both bo drank and used as a warm bath. 

riiere are several of oitrCwh domestic plants which may be used 
with advantage in the rheumatism. XJne of 'the best is the white 
mustard, A table-spoonful 61 the seed of this plant may be taken 
vice or thrice a-day, in a glass of water or small wine. The water- 


tw 


trefoil is likewise of great use in this complaint. It may be infused 
»n wine or ale, ot drank in form of teaThe gnoUnd-ivy, camomile, 
and several other bitters, are also beneficial, and may be used in the 
same, manner. Eo benefit however is to be expected from the +e 
■unless they be taken for a'coiisiderable time. Excellent medicines 
are often despised in this disease, because they do not perform an 
immediate cure ; whereas nothing would be more certain than their 
effect, were they duly persisted in. Want of perseverance in the 


See Appendix, Warm Plaster. 


■use 


OS, THE SC UR V Y. &>9 

asevpf medicines, is. one reason why chronic diseases are so seldom 
cwred. 

’Cold bathing, especially m salt wafer, often cures the rheuma¬ 
tism. We would also recommend riding on horseback, and wearing 
flannel next the skin. Issues are likewise very proper, especially in 
chronic cases. If the pain affects the shoulders, an issue may be 
made in the arm ; b^t if it affects the loins, it should be put into the 
leg or thigh. 

Persons afflicted with the scurvy are very subject to rheumatic. 

_ . ■ '>* J - 

complaints. The best medicines in this case sre bitters/ and mild 
purgatives. These may either be taken separately or together, as 
the patient inclines. An ounce of Peruvian bark, and half an ounce 
of rhubarb in powder, may be infused in a bottle of wine : and one, 
two, or three wine-glasses of. it taken daily, as shall be found ne¬ 
cessary for keeping the body gently oped. . an cases where the bark, 
itself proves sufficiently purgative^ the rhubarb may be omitted. 

'.Such as are subject to frequent attacks of the rheumatism, ought 
to make choic e of a (fry, warm situation, to avoid the night-air, wet 
clothes, and wet feet, as much as possible. Their clothing should 
fee warm, and they should wear flannel next their skim, and make 
frequent use of the flash-brush. 


C II A P. XXXIX. 


F T H E S C U R V Y. 


T HIS disease prevails chief iy^m cold northern countries, especl-, 
ally in low damp situations, near large marshes, or great quail-, 
titles of stagnating water. Sedentary people, of a dull melancholy 
disposition, are most subject to it. It proves often fatal to sailo* ; 
on long voyages, particularly in. ship?...that are. not properly venti¬ 
lated, have many people on board, or wheie cleanliness is neglect¬ 
ed. " . ' . , . 

It is not necessary to mention the different species into which digs 
disease has been divided, as they differ from, one another chiefly in . 
decree. What is called the land scurvy, however,, is seldom attend¬ 


ed with those highly putrid symptoms which appear in patients who 
have been long at sea, and which, we presume, are rather owing 
to confined air, want of exercise, and the unwholesome food eaten 
by sailors on long voyages, than to any specific di fie re nee in the dis¬ 
ease. 

CAUSES.-The scurvy is occasioned by. cold, moist air; by 

the long use of sailed or smoke-dried provisions, or any. kind of 
food that is hard of digestion, and affords little nourishment. It 
may also proceed from the suppression of customary evacuations; 
as’the menses , hemorrhoidal flux, &c. It is sometimes owing to an 
hereditary taint, in which case a very, small cause will excite the 

latent 










230 


O F T H ESC U R V Y. 


r,L disorder. 


O b _■ 


sei 


Grief, fear, and other depressing passions, have a 
f lie v both to excite and aggrav ate this disease. The same 
. ion i olds with regard to neglect of cleanliness; bad cloth- 
he want of proper exercise; -'con lined air; unwholesome food; 
or any d ;w.se' winch, greatly weakens the body, or vitiates the hu¬ 
mours. ' • 

SV• ?' f( MS.-This disease may be known by unusual wea- 


? • • 

r> 


r’ac heaviness, and difficulty of breathing, especially after inoti 
on; rottenness of the gums, which are apt lo- bleed on the slightest' 
toUch; a striking breath ; frequent bleeding at the nose; crackling 
of the joints ; difficulty of walking; souietim.es a swtlhng and some¬ 
times a tailing away of the legs, on which there are livid, yellow, 
or violet coloured spots; the face is generally oi d pale or leaden co¬ 
lour. As the dr ease advances, other symptoms come on ; as rotten¬ 
ness of the tec h, hmniorrbages or discharges of blood bom different 
parts of the Lodv . 'oul obstinate ulcers, pains'in various parts, espe¬ 
cially about the breast* dry scaly emptions all ffver the body, &e„ 
At last a wasting or hectic lever comes on, and the miserable patient 
is often carried off by a dysentery,; a diarrhoea, a dropsy, the palsy, 
fainting fits, ora mortification of some of the bowels. 

CURE.-We know no'way of curing tins uisease but by 

pursuing a plan directly oppoum lo.ihat which brings it on. It'pro- 
ceeds from a vitiated state- of the liujpours, occasioned by errors in' 
duet, air, or exercise ; and this cannot be removed but by a proper 
attention to these important articles'. 

If the patient has been obliged to breathe a cold, damp, op*eonfi- 
ned air, he should be removed,' as sooi.i as possible to a dry,'open, 
and moderately warm one.- If there is reason to believe that the 
disease proceeds from a sedentary life, or depressing passions, as 
grief, fear, &c. the patient must take daily as much exercise in the 
open air as he can bear, and his mind should be diverted by cheer¬ 
ful company and other amusements. Nothing has a greater ten¬ 
der*:-,' either to prevent or remove this disease, than constant cheer-' 
fulness and good humour. But this, alas! is seldom the lot of per¬ 
sons afflicted with the scurvy'; theyrare generally surly, peevish and 
morose. 

When the scurvy has been brought on by a long use of salted 
provisions, the proper medicine is a diet consisting chiefly of fresh 
vegetables; as oranges, apples, lemons, limes, tamarinds, water- 
cresses, scurvy-grass, brook-lime, 8cc. The use of diese, with milk, 
pot-herbs, - ne,w-bread, and fresh beer or cyder, will seldom fail to 
remove a scurvy of this kind, if taken before it be too far advanced, 
but to have tiiis effect they must be persisted in a considerable time. 
When fresh vegetables cannot be obtained, pickled or preserved 
ones may be used ; and where these are wanting, recourse must be 
bad to the chymical acids. All the patient’s food and drink should' 
in tins case be sharpened with'cream of tartar, eiixrr of v itriol, vi¬ 
negar, or the spirit of sea-salt. 

These things however vviil more certainly prevent than cure the 
scurvy, for which reason sea-faring people, especially on long voy-' 
3ges, ought to lay in plenty-of them. Cabbages,'onions, gooseber¬ 
ries 




O F 


T 


HE S C U It V Y. 


25-1 


j igs, and many other vegetables, may be kept a long time by pickling,, 
preserving. Sic. and when these tail the chymieal acids, recommend¬ 
ed above) which will keep for any length of time, may be used. 
We have reason to believe, if ships, were well-ventilated, had got 


store of fruits, greens, c\der, &e. laid in, and if, proper regard 


were paid to cleanliness and warmth, that sailors would be the most 
healthy people in the world, and yvould seldom suffer either from 
the scurvy or pair'd fevers, which are so fatal to that useful set 
of men ; but it is too much the temper of such people to despise all 
precaution ; they will not think of any calamity till it overtakes 
them, when it is too late to ward off the blow. 

It must indeed be owned, that many of them have it not in their 
power to make the provision we are speaking of; but in this ca-e 
it is the duty of their employers to make it for them; and no man 
ought to engage in a long voyage without having these articles se¬ 
cured. 

I have often seen very extraordinary effects in the land scurvy 
from a milk diet. This preparation"of Nature is a mixture of ani¬ 
mal and vegetable properties, which of all others is the most fit for 
restoring a decayed constitution, and removing that particular acri¬ 
mony of the Humours; which seems to constitute the very essence 
of’the scurvy, and many'other diseases. But people despise this, 
wholesome and nourishing food, because it is cheap, and devour 
with greediness, flesh and fermented liquors, while milk is only 
deemed fit for their hogs. 

The most proper drink in the scurvy, is whey or butter-milk. 
When these cannot be had, sound cyder, perry, or spruce-bcer, may 
be used. Wort has likewise been found to be a proper drink in the 
scurvy, and may be used ax sea, as malt will keep during the long¬ 
est voyage. A decoction of the tops of the spruce fir is' likewise 
proper. It may be drank in the quantity of an English pint twice 
a-dav. Tar-water may be used for the same purpose, or decoc¬ 
tions of any of the mild mucilagenous vegetables; as* sarsaparilla, 
marsh-mallow roots, &c. Infusions of the better’plants, as ground,- 
ivey, the lesser centaury, marsh-trefoil, &c. are likewise beneficial. 
I have seen peasants in some parts of Britain express the juice of 
the last mentioned plant, and drink it with,good effect in those foul 
scorbutic eruptions with which they are often troubled in the spring 
season. 

’ Harrowgate water is certainly an excellent medicine in the land- 
scuTvy. I have often seen patients who had been reduced to the 
most "deplorable condition by this disease, greatly relieved by drink¬ 
ing the sulphur-water, and bathing in it. The chalybeate-water 
may also be used with advantage, especially with a view to brace 
the stomach after drinking the sulphur-water, which though it shar¬ 
pens the appetite, never fails to weaken the powers of digestion. 

A slight degree of scurvy may be carried off by frequently suck¬ 
ing a little of the juice of a bitter orange or lemon. When the dis 
ease affect's the gums only, this practice, if continued for some time 
will generally carry it off. We would however recommend tlx 
bitter orange as greatly preferable to lemon; it seems to be as goo< 


232 OF T H E SCROPHULA, 

’ * 1 K t j • - >■ ' •* • % 

a medicine, and is not near so hurtful to the stomach. Perhapfl^ 
our own sorrel may be little inferior to either of them. * 

All kinds of sallad are good in the scurvy, and ought to be eat¬ 
en verv plentifully, as spinage, lettuce, parsley, celery, endive, ra¬ 
dish, dandelion, &c It is amazing to see how soon fresh vegeta¬ 
bles in the spring, cure the brute animals of any scab or foulness 
which is upon their skins. It is reasonable to suppose that their ef¬ 
fects Would Be as great upon the human species, were they aied iim¬ 
proper quantity for a sufficient length of time. 

I have seen good effects in scorbutic complaints of very long stand¬ 
ing, from the use of a decoction of the roots of water-dock. It is 
usually made by boiling a pound of the fresh root in six English 
prints of water, till about one-third of i-t be consumed. The dose 
is from half a pint to a whole pint of the decoction every day. But 
iw all the cases where I have seen it prove beneficial, it was made 
much stronger, and drank in larger quantities. The safest way, 
however, is for the patient to begin with small doses, and increase ’ 
them both in strength and quantity as he finds his stomach will bear 
it. It must be used for a considerable time. I have known some 
take it for many months, and have Teen told of others who had 
used it for several 1 years, before they were sensible of any benefit, 
-but who nevertheless Were cured by it at length! 

The leprosy, which was so common in the country long ago, 
seems to have been near a-kin to the scurvy. Perhaps its appear¬ 
ing so seldom now, may be owing to the inhabitants of Britain eat¬ 
ing more vegetable food than formerly, living more upon tea and 
other diluting diet, using less salted meat, being more cleanly, bet¬ 
ter lodged and clothed, &c.—For the cure of this disease we would 
recommend the same course of diet and medicine as in the scurvy. 

OF THE SCROPHULA, OR RING’S EVIL. 

THIS disedse chiefly affects the glands, especially those of the 
neck. Children and young persons of a sedentary life are very sub¬ 
ject to it. It is one of those diseases which may be removed by pro¬ 
per regimen, but seldom yields to medicine. The inhabitants of 
cold, damp, marshy countries, are most liable to the scrophula. 

CAUSE$.-This disease may proceed from an hereditary taint, ' 

from a scrophulous nurse, Szc. Children who have the misfortune 
to be born of sickly parents, whose constitutions have been greatly 
injured by the pox, or other chronic diseases, are apt to be affected 
with the scrophula. It may likewise proceed from such diseases as 
weaken the habit or vitiate the humours, as die small pox, measles, 
&c. External injuries, as blows, bruises, and the like, sometimes 
produce scrophulous ulcers t but we haye reason to believe, when 
this happens, that there has been a predisposition in the habit to this 
disease. In short, whatever tends to vitiate the humours or relax 
the solids, paves the way to the scrophula ; as the want of proper 
exercise, too much heat opcoid, confined air, unwholesome food, 
bad water, Uk; long use of pfror, weak, watery aliments, the neglect 

€ 




% R KING’S EVIL. 233 

%f cleanliness, &c. Nothing tends more to produce this disease in 
children, than allowing them to continue long wet*. 

SYMPTOMS.-At first small knots appear under the chin, or 

behind the ears, which gradually increase in number and size, till 
they form one large hard tumour. This often cpntinues for a long 
time without breaking, and when it does break, it only discharges a 
thin sanies, orwatUry humour. Other parts of the body are likewise 
liable to its attack, as the arm-pits, groins,^eet, hands,eyes, breasts, 
&c. Nor are the internal parts exempt from it. It often affects the 
lungs, liver, or spleen ; and I have frequently seen the glands of 
the mysentery greatly enlarged by it. v 

Those obstinate ulcers which break out upon the feet and hands 
with swelling, and little or no redness, are of the scrophulous kind. 
They seldom discharge good matter, and are exceedingly difficult to 
cure. The zvhite swellings of the joints seem likewise to be of this 
kind. They are with difficulty brought to a suppuration, and when 
opened, the) only discharge a thin ichor. There is not a more ge¬ 
neral symptom of the scrophula than a swelling of the uppfer ftp and 
nose. - . - , 

REGIMEN.——As tins disease proceeds, in a great measure, 
from relaxation, the diet ought to be generous and nourishing, but 
at the same time light and of easy digestion ; as well fermented 
bread, made of sound grain, the tlesh and broth of young animals, 
with now and then a glass of generous wine, or good ale. The air 
ought to be open, dry, and not too cold, and the patient should Jake 
as much exercise as he can bear. This is of the utmost importance. 
Children who have sufficient exercise, are seldom, troubled ivith the 
scrophula. 

MfclMCiK E —-The vulgar are remarkably credulous with re¬ 

gain to the cure of the scrophula; many of them believing in the 
virtue of the royal touch, that of the seventh son, &c. The truth 
is, we know but little either of the nature or cure of this disease, 
and where reason or medicines fail, superstition always comes in 
their place. Hence it is, that in diseases which are the most difficult 
to understand, we generally he>aF of the greatest number of mira¬ 
culous cures being performed. Here, however, the deception 
is easily accounted for. The scrophula, at a certain period of life, 
often cures of itself; and, if the patient happens to be touched 
about this time, the cure is imputed to the touch, and not to Nature, 
Vvho is really the physic ian. In the same way the insignificant nos¬ 
trums of quicks and old woinen, often gab* applause when they de¬ 
serve none. 

There is nothing more pernicious than the custom of plying chil¬ 
dren in the scrophula with strong purgative medicines. People ima¬ 
gine it proceeds from humours which must be purged off*, without: 
considering that these purgatives increase the debility, and aggravate 
the disease. It has indeed been found, that keeping the body gently 
®pen for some time, especially with sea-water, hash good effect £ 

* The Ccrophula, as well as the rickets, is found to prevail in large jb3ms- 
Tcluring towns, where people live grofs, and lead fedcatary lives, 

but 





234 OF THE SCROPHULA, &c. 


bat this should only be given in gross habits, and in such quantity 
as to procure one, or at most two. stools every day. 

Bathing in tije salt-water has likewise a very good effect, especi¬ 
ally in the warm season. I have, often known a course of bathing 
in salt water, and drinking it in such quantities as to keep the body 
gently open, cure a scrophula, after many other medicines had been 
tried in vain. When salt-water cannot be obtained, the patient may 
be bathed in fresh water, and his foody kept open by small quantities 
of salt and ‘Water, or some other mild purgative. 

Next to cold bathing, and drinking the salt-water, we would re¬ 
commend the Peruvian bark. The cold bath maybe used in summer 
and the bark in winter. To an adult half a drachm of the hark in 
powder may be given in a glass of red wine, four or five times a-day. 
Children, and such as cannot take it in substance, may use the de¬ 
coction,. made in the following manner : • • - 

Boi! an ounce of Peruvian bark, and a drachm of Winter's bark, 
both gross] \ powdered, in an English quart of water to a pint: to¬ 
wn i ds the end, half an ounce.ot sliced liquorice-root, and a handful 
of raisins may be added, which will both render the decoction less 
disagreeable, and make it take up more of the bark. The liquor 
must be strained, and two, three, or four table spoonfuls, according 
to the age of the patient, given three times, a-day.: 

The Meffatt and Harrovfgate waters’, especially the latter, are 
likewise ve*y proper medicines in the scrophula. They ought not, 
however, to be drank in large quantities, but should be taken so 
as to keep the body gently open, and must be used for a considera¬ 
ble time. . , : . . . f 

The hemlock may sometimes be used with advantage in the scro- 
ph'ila. Somedaydt down as a general rule, that the sea-water is 
most proper before there are any suppuration or symptoms of tabes ; 
the Peruvian.bark, when there are running sores, and a degree of 
hectic fever; and the hemlock in old inveterate cases, approaching 
to the scirrhous or cancerous state. Either the extract, or the 
frfesh juice of this plant may be used. The dose must be small 
at first, and increased gradually as far as the stomach is able to beat 
it. 

External applications are of little use. Before the turn our breaks 
nothing ought lo be applied to it, unless a piece of flannel, or some¬ 
thing to keep it warm. After it breaks, the sore may be dressed 
with some digestive ointment. What I have always found to an¬ 
swer best, was the yellow basilicon mixed with about a sixth or 
eighth part of its Weight of reel precipitate of mercury. The sore 
may be dressed with this twice a-day; and if it be very fungous, 
and does not digest well, a larger proportion of the precipitate may 
be added 

Medicines which mitigate this disease! though they do not cure it, 
are not to be despised. If the patient can be kept alive by any 
means til! he arrives at the age of puberty, he has a great chance 
to get well; but if he does not recover at this time, in all probabi¬ 
lity he never will. 

There is nb malady which parents are so apt to communicate to 

f.heir 


/ 


OF THE I T C H. 235 

their offspring as the scrbphula, for which reason people ought to be* 
ware of marrying into families affected with this disease. 

For the means ot preventing the scropluila we must refer the 
reader to the observations on Nursing at the beginning of the book, 

O F T II E I T C H. 

THOUGH this disease is commo'nly communicated by infection, 
yet it seldom prevails where due regard is £>aid to cleanliness, fresh 
air, and wholesome diet. It generally ’’appears in Form of small 
watery pustules, first about the wrists Or between the fingers; af¬ 
terwards it affects the arms, legs, thighs. Sic. These pustules are 
attended with an intolerable itching, especially when the patient is 
warm in bed, or sits by the fire. Sometimes'indeed the skin is co¬ 
vered with large blotches or scabs, and at other times with a white 
scurf, or Scaly eruption. This last is ‘called the dry itch, and is the 
most difficult to cu.rO. 

Tlie itch is seldom a clangorous aiseasfe, lihless when it is render¬ 
ed so by neglect or improper treatment If it be suffered to conti¬ 
nue too long, it may vitiate the whole mass of humours; and if it. 
be suddenly drove in, without proper evacuations, it may occasion 
fevers, inflammations of the Vfiscera, or other internal disorders. 

The best medicine yet known for the itch Is sulphur, which ought 
■to be used both externally and internally. The parts most affected 
may be rubbed with an ointment fna.de of the flour'of sulphur, (wo 
ounces; crude sal ammoniac finely powdered, two drachms ; hog’s 
lard, or butter, four ounces. If a scruple or half a drachm of the 
essence of lemon be added, it will entirely take away the disagree¬ 
able smell. About the bulk of a nutmeg of this may be rubbed up ! 
on the extremities at bed-time twice ar thrice a-week. It is seldom 
necessary to rub the whole body; but when it is, it ought not to 
be done all at once, but by turns, as it is dangerous to stop too ma¬ 
ny pores at tire 'Same time. 

Before the patient begins \6 use the bin ‘then f, he ought, if he be 
of a full habit, to bleed or take a .purge or two. It will likewise 
be proper, during the use of it, to take every night and morning, 
as much oT the flour of brimstone and cream of tartar, in a little 
treacle or new milk, as will keep the body gently open. He should 
beware Of catching cold, should wear more clothes than usual, and 
take every" thing warm. The same clothes, the linen excepted, 
ought to be Worn all the "time of usihg the ointment; and such 
clothes as have been worn while the patient was under the disease, 
are not to be used again, unless they have been fumigated with 
brimstone, and thoroughly cleansed,- otherwise they will communi¬ 
cate the infection anew *. 

* Sir John Pringle observes, that though this diseafe may feem trifling, 
there is no one in the army that is more troublefome to cure, as the infeed- 
on ofren lurks in clothes, See. and breaks out a fbcond, or even a third time. 
The fame inconveniency occurs in private families, unlefs particular regard 
is paid to the changing or cleaning of their clothes, which la It is by no Meaner 
of eafy operation. K k 


236 


O F T H E I T C 'E. 

I'tt&ver knew brimstone, when used as directed above, fail to 
the itch ; and l have reason to believe, that if J duiy persisted in, it 
never will fail; but if it be only used once "or twice, and cleanli¬ 
ness neglected. it is no wonder if the disorder returns. The quart- 
tity of ointment mentioned above wilk'ge'fterally be sufficient for the 
cure of one person; but if any symptoms of the disease should ap¬ 
pear again, the medicine must be repeated. ■‘ It is both more safe 
and efficacious when persisted in for a considerable time* than when 
a large quantity is applied at once. ' As most people dislike the 
smell of sulphur, they may use in its place the powder of white he- 
lebore root' made up into an ointment, in the -same manner, which 
w ill seldom ffi.il to cure the itch. 

People ought to be extremely cautious lest tffiey take other erup¬ 
tions for the itch; as the stoppage of these may be attended with 
fatal consequences. Many of the eruptive disorders to which chil¬ 
dren are liable, have a near resemblance to this disease ; and I have 
often known infants killed by being rubbed vVith greasy ointments 
‘that make these eruptions strike suddenly in, which nature had 
thrown out to preserve the patient’s life, or prevent some other ma¬ 
lady. * 

Much mischief is likewise done by the use of mercury in this dis¬ 
ease. Some persons are so fool-hardy as to wash the parts affected 
with a strong solution of the corrosive sublimate. Others use the 
mercurial ointment, without taking the least care either to avoid 
cold, keep the'body open, or observe a proper regimen. The con¬ 
sequences of sach conduct may be easily guessed. I have know* 
even the mercurial girdles produce bad-effects, and would advise 
every person, as he values his health, to beware how he uses them. 
Mercury ought never-to be used as a medicineAvithout the great¬ 
est care. Ignorant, people look upon these girdles as a kind of 
charm, 'without considering that the-mercury eaters the body. 

It is not to be told what mischief is done bv using mercurial oint¬ 
ment for curing the itch.and killing vermin ; vet it is unnecessary 
for either: the former may be always more certainly cured by sul¬ 
phur, and the-latter wifi never be found where due regard is paid 
to cleanliness. 

Those who would avoid this detestable disease ought to beware of 
infected persons, to use wholesome food, and to study’universal 
cleanliness*. 

* The itch is now by cffianlinefs banifhed frorn every genteel "family in 
Britain. It ftdl however prevails among the poorer forts of peasants in 
Scotland, and among the manufacturers in England. Thefe are not only 
fufficient to keep the feeds of the difeafe alive, but to fpreAd the infection 
among others. It were to be wtfhed that fome effectual method could be de¬ 
viled for extirpating it altogether. Several country clergymen have told 
me, that by getting fuch as were infe&ed cu'red, and ttrongly recommend¬ 
ing an attention to cleanlinefs, they have banifhed the itch entirely out of 
their parifh.es. Whv might not others do the fame ? 


€ H A P. 


{ 237 5 




C H A P. XL. 

O F THE A S T H M A. 

T HE asthma is a disease of the lungs, which seldom admits of a 
cure. Persons in the decline ®f life are most liable to it. It is 
distinguished into the moist and dry, or huiaoucaj and nervous. . The 
■former is attended with expectoration op spitting; but in the latter 
the patient seldom spits, unless sometimes a little tough phlegm by 
the mere force of coughing., v 

CAUSES.?-The asthma is sometimes hereditary. It may like¬ 

wise proceed from a bad formation of the breast; the fumes of me¬ 
tals or minerals taken into the lungs; violent exercise, especially 
running; the obstruction of customary evacuations, as the menses, 
haemorrhoids, c. the sudden retrocession of the gout, or striking 
in of eruptions, as the small-pox, measles. See. violent passions 
of the mind, as sudden fear or surprise. In a word, the disease may 
proceed from any cause that either impedes the circulation of the 
blood through the lungs, or prevents their being.duly expanded by 
the air. 

SYMPTOMS.-An asthma is -known; by - a quick laborious- 

breathing, which is generally performed with a kind of wheezing 
noise. Sometimes the difficulty of breathing is so great, that tire 
patient is obliged to keep in an erect posture, otherwise he is in 
danger of being suffocated. A fit or paroxysm of the asthma gene¬ 
rally happens after a person has been expensed to cold easterly winds,. 
or has bean abroad in thick foggy weather, or has got wet, or con¬ 
tinued long in a damp place under ground,' or has taken some food 
.which the stomach could not digest*, as pasteries*. toasted cheese, or 
the like. . 

The paroxysm is commonly ushered in with lisflessness, want of 
sleep, hoarseness, a cough, belching of wind, a sense of heaviness 
about the breast, and difficulty of breathing. To these succeed heat, 
fever, pain of the head, sickness and nausea, great oppression of 
the breast, palpitation of the heart, a weak, and sometimes inter¬ 
mitting pulse, an involuntary flow of tears, bilious vomitings, 

All the symptoms grow worse towards night; the patient is easier 
when up than in bed, and is very desirous of cool air. 

REGIMEN.-The food ought to be light', and of easy digesti¬ 

on., Boiled meats are to be preferred to-roasted, and the.flesh of 
young animals to that of old. All windy food, and whatever is apt 
to swell in the stomach, is to be avoided. Light puddings, white 
broths, and ripe fruits baked, .boiled, or roasted are proper .Strong 
liq uors of all kinds, especially malt-liquor, are hurtful. The pati¬ 
ent should eat a very light supper, or rather none at all, and should 
never suffer himself to be long costive. His clothing should be warm, 
especially in the winter season. As all disorders of . the breast are 
much relieved bv keeping the feet-v^arm, and promoting the perspi¬ 
ration, a flannel shirt or waistcoat, and thick shoes, .will be of singu¬ 
lar service. But 





233 


O F T HE AS T H M A, 

y *L i ' £ '-*• *■ f *■ - • 

But nothing is of so great importance in the asthma, as pure anc* . 
{noderateiy warm.air. Asthmatic people can seldom bear either the 
dose heavy air of a.large town, or the sharp, keen atmosphere of a. 
bleak ’hill),country*; a medium therefore, between these is to be 
chosen. The air near a large town is. often better than at a distance . 
provided the patient Be removed so far as not to be affected by the 
smoke. Some asthmatic patients indeed, breathe easier in town 
than in the country ; .but this is seldom the case, especially in towns 
where much coal is burnt. Asthmatic persons who are obliged to be 
in town all day, ought at least to deep out of it. Even this-will 
often prove of greaff service. Those who can afford it ought to tra¬ 
vel info a warmer climate. Many asthmatic persons who cannot 
live in Britain, enjoy very good health in the south of France, Por¬ 
tugal, Spain, or Italy, 

Exercise is likewise of very great importance in the asthma, as it 
promotes the digestion, preparation of the blood. See. The blood 
of asthmatic persons is seldom duly prepared, owing to the proper 
action of the iuags being impeded. For this reason such people . 
ought daily to take.as much exyreis?, either on foot, horseback, or 
in a carriage, as they can bear. 

MEDICINE.——rAlmost ad that can be done by medicine in . 
this disease, is to relieve the patient when seized with a violent fit. 
This indeed requires the greatest expedition, as the disease often 
proves suddenly fatal.' in the paroxysm or fit, the body is generally, 
bound ; a purging clyster, with a solution of asafeetida, ought there¬ 
fore to be administered, and if there be occasion, it may be repeat¬ 
ed two or three times. The patient’s feet and legs ought to be im¬ 
mersed in warm water, and afterwards' rubbed with a warm hand, 
or dry cloth, Bleeding, unless extreme weakness or old age should 
forbid it. is highly proper. If there be a violent spasm about the 
breast or stomach, warm fomentations, or bladders filled with warm 
milk and water, may he applied to the part affected*.and warm ca¬ 
taplasms to the soles of. the feet. The patient must drink freely of 
diluting liquors, and may take a tea-spoonful of the tincture of cas¬ 
tor and of saffron mixed together, in a cup of valerian tea, twice or, 
thrice a-day. Sometimes a vomit has a very good effect, an 1 snatch¬ 
es the patient, as it were, from the jaws of death. This however 
will be more safe after other evacuations have been premised. A 
very strong infusion of roasted coffee is said to give case in an asth¬ 
matic paroxysm. 

In the moist asthma, such things as promote expectoration or 
spitting, ought to be used ; as the syrup of squills, gum ammoniac, 
and such like, A common spoonful of the syrup, or oxymel of' 
squills, mixed with an equal quantity of cinnamon-water, "may be 
taken three or four times through the day, and four or five pills made 
of equal parts of asafeetida and gum-ammoniac, at bed-time*. 

* After copious evacuations, large dofes of nether have been found very 
efficacious in temoving a fit of the afthnra. I have likewife known the fol¬ 
lowing miytuveproduce very happy effects: To four or five ounces of the 
ioiut ion of gum-ammoniac, add two ounces of fun pie cinnamon-water, the. 
f ar e m ant ty o f balfamic fy-rup, and half an ounce of paregoric elixir. Of 
t^is, tv o t*!?3e fpoonfuls may be taken every three hours. • For 




OF T ft E APOPLEX Y. 



For the convulsive or nervous asthma, anti spasmodic? and bracers 
jire the most proper medicines. The patient may take a (ea-.spooi> 
Ail ot the paregoric elixir twice a day. The Peruvian ba; k is some- 
times found to be p£ use in this case It may be taken m substance, 
or infused in wine. In short, every thing that braces the nerves, 
or takes off spasm, may be of use in a nervous asthma. It is often 
relieved by the- use of asses milk; I have likewise known QpvUs 
milk diank warm in the morning, have a very good effect in this 
case. 

In every species of asthma, set on s and issues have a good effect; 
they may either be set in the back or side, and should never he al¬ 
lowed to dry up. VVe shall here, once for all, observe, tha*.noi 
onl\ in the asthma, bat in most chronic diseases, issues are extreme¬ 
ly proper. They are both a safe and efficacious remedy ; and though 
they do not always cute the disease, yet they will often prolong the- 
patient's. hie.’ 



CHAP. XLI. 

OF THE APOPLEXY. 


qpH E apoplexy is a sudden loss of sense and motion, during 
JL which the patient is to all appearance dead; the heart and 
lungs however still continue to move., Though this disease proves, 
often fatal, yet it may be sometimes removed by proper care. Ii; 
chiefly attacks sedentary persons of a gross habit, who use a rich 
and plentiful diet, and indulge in strong liquors. People in the de¬ 
cline of life are most subject to the apoplexy. It prevails most in 
winter, especially in rainy seasons, and very low.states of the ba¬ 
rometer./ 

CAUSES.—rr-The immediate cause of an apoplexy is a com¬ 
pression of the brain, occasioned by an excess of blood, or a col¬ 
lection of watery humours. The former is called a sanguine, and 
the latter a semt-s apoplexy. It maybe occasioned by any thing. 
that increases tin? circulation towards theb.ain, or prevents thexe- 
turn of the blood from the head; as intense study; violent passions*, 
viewing objects for a long time obliquely; wearing any thing too 
tight about the neck; a rich and luxurious diet; suppression of 
urine; suffering the body to coq! suddenly atter having been greatl y 
heated : continuing long in a warm or cold bath; the excessive uj>e 

* I knew a woman, who in a violent fit of anger was feized with a fan- 
guine apoplexy. She at firlt complained of extreme pain, “ as if daggers 
had been thruft through her head,” as fhe expreffed it. Afterwards the be¬ 
came comatofe, her pulfe funk very low, and was exceeding flow. By bleed-, 
mg, bliltering, and other evacuations, fhe was kept alive for about a fort 
night. When her head was opened, a large quantity »£ extravabated blo~d 
vyas, found hi the left ventricle cf the brain. 




240 O F THE. A P O P L E X Y. 

of spiceries, or high seasoned food ; excess of venery; the suddeirr< 
striking in of any eruption ; suffering issues, setons, &c. suddenly'- 
to dry up, or the stoppage of any customary evacuation; a mercu¬ 
rial salivation pushed too far, or suddenly checked by cold ; wounds 
or bruises on the bead; long exposure to excessive cold ; poisonous 
exhalations, 8:r, 

SYMPTOMS, and method of cure-The usual forerunners of 

an apoplexy are giddiness, pain and swimming of the head ; loss 
of memory; drowsiness; noise in the ears; the night-mare; a spon¬ 
taneous flux of tears; and laborious respiration. When persons of 
an apoplectic make observe these symptoms, they have reason to 
fieax the approach of ant, and should, endeavour to prevent it by ., 
bleeding, a slender diet and opening medicines. 

In the sanguine apoplexy, if the patient does not die suddenly, . 
the countenance appears florid, the face is swelled or puffed up, and 
tire blood vessels, especially about the.neck and temples, are tur¬ 
gid; the pulse beats strong; the.eyes are prominent and fixed, and u 
the breathing is difficult, and performed with a sporting noise. . The 
excrements and urine are often voided spontaneously, and the pad- - 
ent is sometimes seized with vomiting. 

In this species of apoplexy every method must be taken to lessen. -* 
the force of the circulation towards the head. The patient should 
be kept perfectly easy and cool. His head should be.raised pretty 
high, and his feet suffered to hang down. His clothes ought to be • 
loosened, especially about the neck, and fresh air admitted into his 
« hamber. His garters should be tied pretty tight, by which means - 
the motion of the blood from the lower extremities will be retarded. 
As soon as the patient is placed in a proper posture, he..should be 
bled freely in the neck or arm, and, if there be occasion, the ope- 
lation may be repeated in two or three hours. A laxative clyster, 
with plenty of sweet oil, or fresh butter, and a spoonful or two of 
common salt in it, may be administered every two hours; and blis¬ 
tering-plasters applied between the shoulders, and to the calves of 
the legs. 

As soon as the symptoms are a little abated, and the patient is. 
able to swallow, he ought to drink freely of some diluting opening 
liquor, as a decoction of tamarinds and liquorice, cream-tartar whey, 
or common whey with cream of tartar dissolved in it. Or lie may 
take any cooling purge, as Glauber's salts, manna dissolved in an. 
,infusion of senna, or the like. All spirits and oilier strong liquors 
ore to be avoided. Even volatile salts held to the nose do mischief. 
Vomits, for the same reason, ought not to be given, or any thing 
•that may increase the motion of thejblood towards the head. 

In the serous apoplexy, the symptoms are nearly the same, only 
fhe pulse is not so strong, the countenance is less florid, and the 
breathing less difficult. Bleeding is not so necessary here as in the 
former case. It may, however, generally be performed once with 
safety and advantage, but s&ould not be repeated. The patient 
*houlff be placed in the same posture as directed above, and should 
have blistering-plasters applied, and receive opening clysters in the- 
same manner. Purges here are likewise necessary, and the patient. 

may 








T) F C O S T I V E N E S S, &c. 2-M 

%nay drink strong balm-tea. If he be inclined to sweat, it ought t* 
be promoted by drinking small wine-whey, or an infusion of carduu-s 
benedictus. A plentiful sweat kept up fora considerable time, has 
often carried off a serous apoplexy. 

When apoplectic symptoms proceed from opium, or other narco- 
* tic substances taken into the stomach, vomits are necessary. The 
" patient is generally relieved as soon as he has discharged the poison 
- in this way. 

Persons of an apoplectic'•make, or those who have been attacked 
: by it, ought to use a very spare and slender diet, avoiding all strong 
-liquors, spiceries, and high*seasoned food. They ought likewise to 
guard against all violent passions, and to avoid the extremes of heat 
and cold. The head should be shaved, and daily washed with cold 
water. The feet ought to be kept warm, and never suffered to con¬ 
tinue long wet. The body must be kept open either by food or medi¬ 
cine, and a little blood may be let every spring and fall. Exercise 
should by no means be neglected ; but it ought to be taken in mode¬ 
ration. Nothing has a more happy effect in preventing an apoplexy 
than perpetual issues or setons ; great care however must be taken, 
-not to suffer them to dry up, without opening others in their stead. 
Apoplectic persons ought never to go to rest with a full stomach, or to 
lie with their heads low, or to wear any thing too tight about their 
.necks 


C II A P. XLII. 

OF COSTIVENESS, AND OTHER AFFEC¬ 
TIONS OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. 

W E do not here mean to treat of those astrictions of the bowels 
which are the symptoms of diseases, as of the colic, the illae 
-passion, &c'. but only to take notice of that infrequency of stools 
which sometimes happens, and which in some particulafconstitutitfns 
may occasion diseases. 

Costiveness may proceed from drinking rough red wines, or other 
astringent liquors ; too much exercise, especially on horseback. It 
may likewise proceed from a long use of cold insipid food, which 
does not sufficiently stimulate the intestines. Sometimes it is owing 
to the bile not descending to the intestines, as iu the jaundice ; and 
at other times it proceeds from diseases ol the intestines themselves, 
as a palsy, spasms, torpor, tumours, a cold dry state of the intes¬ 
tines, &c. 

-Excessive costiveness is apt to occasion pains of the head, vomit¬ 
ing, colics, and other complaints of the bowels. It is peculiarly 
hurtful to hypochondriac and hysteric persons, as it generates wind 
and other grievous symptoms. Some people however, can bear 

livened 



■%* j: u< 


OF COST1V E N E S S. &c. 


^ ^ , ■ . , . ... ... .. • ^ F; 

'•fiveiress- to a great degree. I know persons who enjoy pretty good 
health, yet do not go to stool above once a-week, and others not 
above once a-fortnight. Indeed I have heard of some who do not go 
above once,a*month. , 

Persons who are generally costive, should live upon a moistening 
and laxative diet, as roasted or boiled apples, pears, stewed prunes, 
raisins, gruels with currants, bidder, honey, sugar, and such like. 
Broths with spin'age, leeks, and other soft potherbs, are likewise 
Rye-bread, or that which is made ot a mixture Of wheat 


proper 



;pmg the body 

in some parts bf England they call malm. It is made of a mixture of 
/wheat and rve, and is very agreeable to those \Vhoare accustomed to 
It.,, . ^ _ , ; 

Costiveness Is increased by‘keeping the body too warm, and by 
every thing that promotes the perspiration ; as wearing flaiinel, ly-' 
.mg too long adaed. &c. Intense thought, and a sedentary life, are. 
likewise hurtful. ’All the secretions and excretions are promoted by 
moderate exercise without doors/ and by a gay, cheerful, sprightly 
‘temper bf rnihd. 

The drink should be of an opening quality. All ardent spirits, 
ait*ter6^ and astringent wines, as port, claret, &c. blight to be 
av'.idvd. Malt-liquor that is fine, and of a moderate strength, is 
Ve'ry proper.. Butter milk, whey, and other watery liquors, are 
likewise proper, and may be drank in turns, as the patient's inclina¬ 
tion d metis-, 

Those who ate troubled With boTiveness, might, if possible, to 
remedy it b> diet, as the ’cttnsf&nt use of medicines for that purpose 
is attended with many ineonveniencies, and often with bad con¬ 
sequences*. I never knew any one get into a habit of taking me* 
dicineTor keeping the b'ody open, who could leave it tin. In time 
the; custom becomes necessary, and generally ends in a total relaxa- 

* The learned Dr Arbuthnot advifes thofe who are troubled \VutVi costive; 
Utefsto sfe anntial oils, as frelh butter, cream, marrow, fat broths, efpecially 
thole made dlfithe internal parts of animals, as the liver, heart, midriff, &cl 
Hie likev/ife recommends rVig exprefled oils of mild vegetables, as olives, al¬ 
monds, paitachcs. an l the fruits themfelves ; all oily and mild fruits, as figs ; 
deco&ion? of meal'-vegetables ; thele lubricate the inteftines ; fome fapona- 
ceous, fubfiatrees which {Emulate gently, as honey 1 , hydrortiel, or boiled honey 
and water, unrefined fugar, &c. 

The-Dodcr obferves, that fuch lenitive fubftances Ire proper for perfoftS of 
dry airabilanan ermftitutions, who are fubjesft to aftri&ton of the belly, and 
the piles-, and will operate when ftronger medicinal subttances are fometines 
inefieihial ; but that fuch lenitive diet hurts thofe whofe bowels are weak 
and lax. He like wife cbferves, that all watery fib fiances are lenitive, and 
•that ever, common water, whey, four milk, a id butter-milk, have that ef- 
£e&-;—Tfci‘ new milk, efpecially affes milk, ftimulates frill more when it 
fours on the ft>mach ; and that whey turned four, will purge ftrongly 
That moft garden fruits are likewife laxative ; and that fome of them, as 
grapes,, win. throw Inch as take them immoderately into a cholera morbus, or 
incurable diarrhaca. 

ti()T| 


•tion of the. bowefs, imligestion, loss of appetite, wasting of the 
strength, and dea In 

When the body cannot be kept open without medicine, we would 
recommend gentle doses of rhubarb to be taken twice or thrice a 
week. This is not near so injurious to the stomach as aloes, jalap, 
or the other drastic purgatives so much in use. Infusions of senna 
and manna may likewise be taken, or half an ounce of .soluble tar¬ 
tar dissolved in water-gruel. About the size of a nutmeg of lenitive 
electuary, taken twice or thrice a-duy generally answers the pur* 
pose .very well. 

W A NT or A P P E 1 I T E. 

\ 

THIS may proceed from.a foul stomach; indigestion; the want 
of free air and exercise; grief; fear; anxiety; or any of the de¬ 
pressing passions ; excessive, heat ; the use of strong broths, fat.meats, 
or any tiling that palls the appetite, or is hard of digestion ; the im¬ 
moderate use of strong liquois, tea, tobacco, opium, &c. 

The patient ought, if possible, to make choice of an open dry air; 
to take exercise daily on horseback or in a carriage; to rise betimes; 
and to avoid all intense thought. He should use a diet of easy di¬ 
gestion; and should avoid excessive heat and great fatigue. 

If want of appetite proceeds from errors in diet, or any other 
part of the patients regimen, it ought to be changed. If nausea, 
and Teachings shew that the stomach is loaded with crudities, a vo¬ 
mit will be of service. After this a gentle purge or tw o of rhubarb, 
or any of the bitter purging salts, may be taken. The patient ought 
next to use some of the stomachic bitters infused in wine. Though 
gentle evacuations be necessary, yet strong purges and vomits are to 
be avoided, as they weaken the stomach and hurt digestion. 

Elixir of vitriol is an excellent medicine in most cases of indiges¬ 
tion, weakness of the stomach, or want of appetite. From twenty 
to thirty drops of it may be taken twice or thrice a-day in a glass of 
wine or water. It may likewise be mixed with the tincture of the 
bark, one drachm of the former to an ounce of the latter, and two 
tea-spoonfuls of it taken in wine an4 water, as above. 

The chalybeate waters, if drank ii? moderation, are generally of 
considerable service in this case. The salt-water has likew ise good 
effects; but it must not be used too freely. The waters of Bar- 
rowgate, Scarborough, Moffat, and most other spas in Britain, may 
be used with advantage. We would advise all who are afflicted 
with indigestion and w-ant of appetite, to repair to these places of 
public rendezvous. The very change of air, and the cheerful com¬ 
pany, will be of service, not to mention the exercise, dissipation* 
amusements, &c, 

OF THE HEART-B U R N. 

WHAT is commonly called the heart-burn., is not a disease of 
kliat organ, but ail uneasy sensation of heat or acrimony, about the 

LI . pit 


-214 O F T H E ' HEAR T-B URN 


pit of the stomach, which is sometimes-attended with anxiety, nau¬ 
sea and vomiting. 

It may proceed from debility of the stomach, indigestion, bile, 
the abounding of an acid in the stomach,- &c. '' Persons who are 
liable to this complaint, ought to avoid -stale liquors, acids, windy 
or greasy aliments and should never use violent exercise soon alter 
a hearty meal. ' 1 know many persons who never fail to have the 
heart-burn if they ride soon after dinner, provided they have drank 
ale, wine, or any fermented liquor : but are never troubled with it 
when they have drank ruin or brandy and water, without any sugar 
or acid. 

When the heart-burn proceeds from debility of the stomach., or 
indigestion, the patient ought to take a dose or two of rhubarb ; af¬ 
terwards he may use infusions of the Peruvian bark-; or any other of 
the stomachic bitters, in wine or brandy. Exercise in the open air 
will likewise be of use, and every thing thar promotes digestion. 

When bilious humours occasion the heart-burn, a tea-spoonful of 
the "sweet spirit of nitre in a glass of water, or a cup of tea, will 
generally give ease. If it proceeds from the use of greasy aliment's, 
a dram of brandy or rum may be taken. 

If acidity or sourness-'of the stomach occasions the heart-burn, ab¬ 
sorbents are the proper medicines. In this case an ounce of pow¬ 
dered chalk, half an ounce of fine sugar, and a quarter of an ounce 
of gum-arabic, may be mixed in an English quart of Water, and a 
tea cupful of it taken as often as is necessary. Such as do not chuse 
chalk may take a tea-spoonful of prepared oyster-shells, or of the 
powder called erabs-cyes, in a glass of cinnamon or peppermint- 
water. But the safest and best absorbent is magnesia dibit. This 
not only acts as an absorbent, but likewise as a purgative ; whereas 
chalk and other absorbents of that kind, are apt to lie in the intes¬ 
tines, and occasion' obstructions. This powder is not disagreeable, 
and may be taken in a cup of tea, or a glass of mint-water. A 
large tea-spoonful is the usual dose; but it may be taken in a much 
greater quantity when there is bccassion. These things are now' ge¬ 
nerally made up into lozenges’for the conveniency of being carried 
in the pocket, and taken at pleasure. 

If wind be the cause of this-complaint, the most proper medicines 
are those called carminatives; as aniseeds, juniper-berries, ginger, 
canella alba, cardamom seeds, &c. These may either be chewed, 
or infused in wine, brandy or other spirits. One of the safest me¬ 
dicines of this kind is the tincture made by infusing an ounce 
rhubarb, and a quarter of an ounce of the lesser cardamom seeds, in 
.an English pint of brandy. After this lias digested for two or throe 
days, it ought to be strained, and four ounces of white sugar-candy 
added to it. It must stand to digest a second time til! the sugar be 
dissolved. A table-spoonful of it may be taken occasionally for a dose. 

I have frequently known the heart-burn cured, particularly in 
pregnant women, by chewing green tea. Two table-spoonfuls of 
what is called the miik of gum ammoniac, taken once or twice a^- 
day, will sometimes cure the heart-burn. 


CHAP 






( 245 ) 


CHA P,' XLIII. 

OF NERVOUS DISEASES. 

O b all diseases incident to mankind, those of the ^nervous kirn! 

-are the most complicated and difficult to cure. A volume 
would not be sufficient to point out their various appearances. They 
imitate almost every disease; and axe seldom alike in two different 
persons, or even, the same person at different times. Proteus-like, 
they arc continually changing shape; and upon every fresh attack, 
the patient thinks he feels symptomp which he. never experienced 
before Nor do they only affect the body ; the mind likewise suf¬ 
fers, and is thereby rendered weak and peevish. The low spirits, 
timourousness, melancholy and fickleness of temper, which gene¬ 
rally attend nervous disorders, induce many to believe that they are 
entirely diseases of the mind; but this change* of temper is rather 
a consequence, than the cause of nervous diseases. 

CAUSES.-Every thing that tends to relax o; weaken the body, 

disposes it to nervous diseases, as indolence, excessive venery, drink¬ 
ing too much tea, or other weak watery liquors warm,, frequent 
bleeding, purging, vomiting, &c. Whatever hurts the digestion, 
or prevents the proper assimilation of the food, has likewise this 
effect; as long fasting, excess in eating or drinking, the use of 
windy, crude or unwholesome aliments, an unfavourable posture of 
the body, &c. 

Nervous disorders often proceed from intense application to study. 
Indeed few studious persons are entirely free from them. Nor is 
this at all to be wondered at; intense thinking not only preys upon 
the spirits, but prevents the person from taking proper exercise, by 
which means the digestion is impaired, the nourishment prevented, 
the solids relaxed, and the whole mass of, humours vitiated. Grief 
and disappointment . likewise produce the same effects. I have 
known more nervous patients who dated the commencement of their 
disorders from the loss of a husband, a favourite child, or from some 
disppointment in life, than from any other cause. In a word, what¬ 
ever weakens the body, or depresses.the spirits, may occasion ner¬ 
vous disorders, as unwholesome air, want of sleep, great fatigue, 
disagreeable apprehensions, anxiety, vexation, &c. 

SYMPTOMS.-We shall only mention some of the most ge¬ 

neral symptoms of these disorders, as it would be Both an useless 
and an, endless task to enumerate the whole., They generally begin 
with windy inflations or distensions of the stomach and intestines; 
the appetite and digestion are usually bad ; yet sometime* there is 
an uncommon craving for food, and a qu‘ck digestion. The food 
often turns sour on the stomach; and the patient is troubled with 
vomiting of clear water, tough phlegm, or a blackish coloured li¬ 
quor resembling the grounds of coffee.. Excruciating pains nrc often 
felt about the navel, attended with a rumbling or murmuring noise 
in the bowels. The body is sometimes loose, but more commonly 
bound, which occasions a retention of wind and great uneasiness. 

The 




2 - 1-6 


O F X E R VO US D I S E A S E S. 

The urine is sometimes in small quantity, at other times very co¬ 
pious and quite clear. There is a 1 great straitness of the breast, 
with difficulty of breathing; violent palpitations of the heart; suri-s 
den flushings of heat in various parts of the body ; at other times a 
sense of cold, as if water Were poured on them ; flying pains in the 
arms and limbs, pains in the back arid belly, resembling those oc¬ 
casioned by the gravel; the puke very variable, sometimes uncom¬ 
monly slow, and at other times very quick ; yawning, the hiccup, 
frequent sighing, and a sense ot suffocation, as if from a ball or lump 
in the throat; alternate fits of crying and convulsive laughing'; the 
sleep is unsound, and seldom refreshing: and the patient is often 
troubled With the night-mare. 

As the disease increases, the patient is molested with head-a.chs* 
cramps, and fixed pains in various parts of the body; the eyes are 
clouded, and often affected with pain and dryness; there is a noise 
in the ears, and often a dulngss of hearing ; in short the whole ani¬ 
mal functions are impaired/ The mind is disturbed on the most tri¬ 
vial occasions, and is hufr'i'ed into the most perverse commotions, 
inquietudes, terror,- sadness, angei 4 , diffidence, &o. The patient 
is apt to entertain Wild imaginations, and extravagant fancies ; the 
memory becomes weak and the judgment fads. 

Nothing is more characteristic of this disease than a constant, 
dread of death. This renders those unhappy persons who labour 
under it peevish, fickle, impatient, and apt to run from one physi¬ 
cian to another; which is one reason why they seldom reap any be¬ 
nefit from medicine, as they have not sufficient resolution to persist 
in any one course till it has time to produce its proper effects. They 
are likewise apt to imagine that they labour under diseases from 
which they are quite free; and are very angry if any one attempts 
to set them right, or laugh them out of their ridiculous notions. 

REGIMEN.-Persons afflicted with nervous diseases ought 

never to fast long. Their food should be solid and nourishing, but 
<>f easy digestion. Fat meats and heavy sauces are hurtful. All 
excess should be carefullv avoided. Thev ought never to eat more 
at a time than they can easily digest ; but if they feel themselves 
•weak and faint between meals, they ought to cut a bit of bread, and 
drink a glass of wine. Heavy suppers are to be avoided. Though 
•wine in excess enfeebles the body, and impairs the faculties of the 
mind, vet taken in moderation it strengthens the stomach, and pro¬ 
motes digestion. Wine and water is a very proper drink at meals; 
hut if wine sours On the stomach, or the patient is much troubled 
with wind, brandy and water will answer better. Every thing 
that is windy or hard of digestion must be avoided. All weak and, 
warm liquors are hurtful, as tea, coffee, punch, &c. People may 
find a temporary relief in the use of these, but they always increase 
the malady as they weaken the stomach, and hurt digestion. Above 
all things, drams are to be avoided. Whatever immediate ease the 
patient may fefel from the use of ardent spirits, they are sure to ag¬ 
gravate the malady, and prove certain poisons at last. These cau¬ 
tions are the more necessary, as mo t nervous people are peculiarly 
fond of tea and ardent spirits; to the use of which many of thenl 
fall victims. Exercise 



O F N E K V OUS DIS E A S E S. 247 

Exercise in nervous disorders Is superior to all medicines. Rid¬ 
ing on horseback is generally esteemed the best, as it gives motion 
to the whole body without fatiguing it, I have known some patr- 
ents > however, w ith whom walkirg agreed belter, and others who 
were most benefitdd by riding in a carriage. Every one ought to 
use that which he finds most beneficial. Long sea-voyages have an 
excellent effec t; and to those who have sufficient resolution, we 
would by all means recommend this course. Even change of place, 
and the sight of new objects, hy diverting the mind, have a great 
tendency to remove these complaints. For this reason a long jour¬ 
ney, or a voyage, is of much more advantage than riding short jour¬ 
neys near home 

A cool and dry air is proper, as it braces and invigorates the 
whole body. Few things tend more to relax and enervate than hot 
air, especially that which is rendered so by great fires, or stoves in 
small apartments. But when the stomach or bowels are weak, the 
body ought to be well guarded against cold, especially in winter, 
by wearing a thin flannel waistcoat next the skin. This will keep 
up an equal perspiration, and defend the alimentary canal from ma¬ 
ny impressions to which it would otherwise be subject, upon every 
sudden change from warm to cold weather. Rubbing the body fre¬ 
quently with a flesh-brush, or a coarse linen cloth, is bkevvise bene¬ 
ficial, as it promotes the circulation, perspiration, &c. Persons 
who have weak nerves ought to rise early, and take exercise before 
breakfast, as lying too long a-hed cannot fail to relax the solids. 
They ought likewise to be diverted, and to be kept as easy and cheer¬ 
ful as possible. There is not any thing which hurts the nervous sys¬ 
tem, or weakens the digestive powers more than fear, grief or anxiety. 

MEDICINES.-Though? nervous diseases are seldom radi¬ 

cally cured, yet their symptoms may sometimes be alleviated, and 
the patient’s hie rendered at least more comfortable by proper me¬ 
dicines. 

When the patient is costive, he ought to take a little rhubarb, or 
some other mild purgative, and should never suffer his body to be 
long bound. All strong and violent purgatives are however to be 
avoided, as aloes, jalap, &c. I have generally seen an infusion of 
senna and rhubarb in brandy, answer very well. This may be made 
of any strength, and taken in such quantity as the patient finds ne¬ 
cessary. When digestion is bad or the stomach relaxed and weak, 
the following infusion of Peruvian bark and other bitters may be 
used with advantage: 

Take of Peruvian bark an ounce, gentian-root, orange-peel, and 
coriander-seed, of each half an ounce; let these ingredients he all 
bruised in a mortar, and infuse in a bottle of brandy or rum, for 
the space of five or six days. A table-spoonful of the strained li¬ 
quor may be taken in half a glass of water, an hour before breakfast, 
dinner and supper. 

Few things tend more to strengthen the nervous system than co'd 
bathing. This practice, if duly persisted in, will produce very ex¬ 
traordinary effects ; but when the liver or other viscera are obstruct¬ 
ed, or otherwise unsound, the cold bath is improper. It is there¬ 
fore to be used with very great caution. The most proper seasons 




218 OF MEL A N C H O LY; 

for ii arc summer ami autumn.' It will be sufficient, especially fore¬ 
persons of a spare.habit, to go into the cold bath three or four times 
a-week. If the patient be weakened by it, or feels chilly for a long 
time after coming out; it is improper. 

In patients afflicted with wind, I hare always observed the great¬ 
est benefit from the elixir of vitriol. It may be taken in the quan¬ 
tity of fifteen, twenty or thirty drops, .twice or thrice-a-day, in a, 
glass of water.- This both expels wind, strengthens the stomach, 
and promotes digestion. 

Opiates are generally extolled in these maladies; but as they only 
palliate the symptoms and generally afterwards increase the disease, 
we would advise people to be extremely sparing in the use of them, 
lest habit render them at last absolutely necessary. 

It would be- an easy matter to enumerate many medicines which 
Pave been extolled for relieving nervous disorders; but whoever 
wishes for a thorough cure, must expect it from regimen alone ; we 
shall therefore omit mentioning more medicines, and again recom¬ 
mend the strictest attention.to diet., air, exercise, and amuse¬ 
ments. 

OF MEL A N C H O L Y. 

Melancholy is that stale of alienation or weakness of mind, 
which renders people incapable of enjoying the pleasures, or per¬ 
forming the duties of life. It is a degree of insanity, and often ter¬ 
minates in absolute madness. 

CAUSES.-It may proceed from an hereditary disposition; 

intense thinking, especially where the mind is long occupied by one 
object; violent passions oi affections of the mind, as love, fear, joy, 
grief, pride, and such like. It may also be occasioned by exces¬ 
sive venery ; narcotic or stupefactive poisons; a sedentary life ; so¬ 
litude; the suppression of customary evacuations; acute fevers or 
other diseases. Violent anger will change melancholy into madness; 
and excessive cold,, especially of the lower extremities, will force 
the blood into the brain,, and produce all the symptoms of madness.. 

It may likewise proceed from the use of aliment that is hard of di¬ 
gestion, or which cannot be easily assimilated; from a callous state- 
of the integuments of the brain, or a dryness of the brain itself. 
To all which we may add gloomy and mistaken notions of religion. 

SYMPTOMS.-When persons begin to be melancholy, they' 

are timourous; watchful; fond of solitude; fretful; fickle; capti¬ 
ous and inquisitive; sol citous about trifles; sometimes niggardly,. 
and at other times prodigal. The body is generally bound, the urine 
thin, and in small quantity; the stomach and bowels inflated with 
wind; the complexion pale ; the pulse slow and weak. The func¬ 
tions of the mind are also greatly perverted, insomuch that the pa-, 
tient often imagines himself dead, or changed into some other ani¬ 
mal. Some have imagined their bodies were made of glass, or other 
brittle substances, and were afraid to move, lest they should be bro¬ 
ken to pieces. The unhappy patient, in this case, unless carefullv 
watched, is apt to put an end (o his o wn miserable life. 


When 






O T M ELAN C H O L Y. 


249 


When the disease is owing to an obstruction of customary evacu¬ 
ations, or any bodily disorder, it' is easier cured than when it pro¬ 
ceeds fiom affections of the mind, or an hereditary feint. A dis¬ 
charge of blood from the nose, looseness, scabby eruptions, the 
bleeding piles, or the menses , sometimes carry off this disease. 

REGIMEN.-The diet should consist chiefly of vegetables of 

a cooling and opening quality. Animal food, especially salted or 
smoke-dried fish or tiesh, ought to be avoided -All kinds of shell¬ 
fish are bad. Aliments prepared with onions, garlic, or any thing 
that generates thick blood, are likewise improper. All kinds of 
fruits that are wholesome may be eaten with advantage. Boerhave 
gives an instance of a patient who, by a long use of whey, water, 
and garden-fruit, recovered,- after having evacuated a great quantity 
of black coloured matter. 

Strong liquors of every kind ought to be avoided as poison. The 
most proper drink is water, whey, or very small beer. Tea and 
coffee are improper. If honey agrees with the patiefrt, it may be 
eaten freely, or his drink may be sweetened with it. Infusions ox 
balm-leaves, penny-royal, the roots of wild valerian, or the dow ers 
of the lime-tree, may be drank freely, either by themselves, or s w eet¬ 
ened with honey, as the patient shall chuse. 

The patient ought to take as much exercise as he can bear. This 
helps to dissolve the viscid humours, it removes obstructions, piu- 
motes the perspiration, and all the other secretions. Every 
kind of madness is attended with a diminished perspiration; ai t 
means ought therefore to be used to promote that necessary and sa¬ 
lutary discharge. Nothing can have a more direct tendency to in¬ 
crease the disease than confining the patient to a close apartment. 

1 Were he forced to ride or walk a certain number of miles every day, 
it would tend greatly to alleviate his disorder; but it would have 
still a better effect, if he were obliged to labour a piece of ground. 
By digging, hoeing, planting, sowing, &c, both the body and mind 
would be exercised. A long journey, or a voyage, especially to¬ 
wards a warmer climate, with agreeable companions, have often 
very happy effects. A plan of this kind, with a strict attention to 
diet, is a much more rational method of Cure, than confining the 
patient within doors and plying him with medicines. 

MEDICINE.--In the cure of this disease particular attention 

must be paid to the mind. When the patient is in a low stale, his 
■mind ought to be soothed and diverted with variety of amusements, 
as entertaining stories, pastimes, music, &c. This seems to have 
been the method of curing melancholy among the Jews, as we learn 
from the story of'King Saul; and indeed it is a very rational one. 
Nothing can remove diseases of the mind so effectually as applica¬ 
tions to the mind itself, the most efficacious of which is music. 
The patient's company ought likewise to consist of such persons as 
are agreeable to him. People in this state are apt to conceive un¬ 
accountable aversions against particular persons; and the very sight 
of such persons is sufficient to distract their minds, asd throw them 
into tke.utmost perturbation. 


When 





250 © F T H E iP A L S Y. 

When the patient is high,evaeuations.are necessary. In this case 
he.must be bled, and have his body kept open by purging*medicines# 
as mamia, rhubarb, cream of tartar., or the soluble tartar. I have 
seen the Iasi have very happy elibcts. It may be taken in the dose 
of half an ounce, dissolved in water-gruel, every day, for several 
weeks, or even for months, if necessary. More or less may be gi- 
> en according as it operates. Vomits have likewise a good effect; 
bui they must he pretty strong, otherwise they will not operate. 

Whatever increases the evacuation <>1 urine or promotes perspi¬ 
ration, lias a tendency to remove this disease. Both these secreti¬ 
ons may be promoted by the use of nitre and vinegar. Half a 
drachm of purified nitre may-be.given three or four times a* day, in 
any manner that is most agreeable to the patient; and an ounce 
and an half of distilled vinegar may be daily mixed with his drinK, 
Dr. Locker seems .to think vinegar the best medicine that can be gi¬ 
ven in this disease. ' * - 

Camphire and musk have likewise been used in this case with 
advantage. Ten or twelve grains of camphire may be rubbed in a 
mortar, with half a drachm of nitre, and taken twice a-day, or often- 
er, if the stomach will bear it. If it will not sit upon the stomach 
in this form, it may be made into pills with gum asafcetida and Rus¬ 
sian castor, and taken in the quantity .above directed. If musk is 
to be administered, a scruple or twenty-five grains obit may be made 
jeto a bolus with a little honey or common syrup, and taken twice 
or thrice a-day. We do not mean that all these medicines should 
be administered g.1 once; but whichever of them is given, must be 
duly persisted in, and where one fails another may be tried. 

As it is very difficult to induce patients in this disease to take-me¬ 
dicines, vye shall mention a few outward applications w hich some* 
times do good; the principal of these are issues, setons, and warm 
bathing. Issues may be made in any part of the body, but they 
generally have the best effect near the spine. The discharge from 
these may be greatly promoted by dressing them with the mild blis¬ 
tering ointment, and keeping what are commonly called the orricc 
pease in them. The most proper place for a selon is between the 
shoulder-blades: and it ought to be placed upwards and downwards, 
or in the direction of the spine. 

OF T II E P A L S Y. 

THE palsy is a loss or diminution of sense or motion, or of both, 
in oi.e or more parts of tire body. Of all the affections called ner¬ 
vous, this is the most suddenly fatal. It is more or less dangerous, 
according to the importance of the part affected. A palsy of the 
heart, lungs, or any part necessary to life, is mortal. When it af¬ 
fects ^ie stomach, the intestines, or the bladder, it is highly danger¬ 
ous. If the face be affected, the case is bad, as it shews that the 
disease proceeds from the brain. When the part affected feels cold, 
is insensible, or wastes away, or when the judgment and memory 
begin to fail, there is small hope ®f a cure. 


CAUSES* 




O F 


I 


h, 


P A L 


S 


Y. 


251 


‘ CAUSES.-The Immediate cause of palsy is any thing that 

prevents I he regular exertion of the nervous power upon any parti" 
cuiar musefc or part of the body. The occasional and predisposing 
causes are various, as drunkenness; wounds of ihe brain, or spinal 
marrow ; pressure upon the biai:, or nerves; very cold or damp air; 
the suppression of customary evacuations: sudden fear; want of 
exercise ; or whatever' gieatly relaxes the stslem, as drit king much 
tea*, or' cofle%. The palsy may likewise proceed from wounds of 
the nerves themselves from the poisonous fumes of metals or mi¬ 
nerals, as mercury, lead, arsenic. 

In young persons of a full habit, the palsy nfimt be treated in the 
same manner as the sanguine apoplexy. The patient must he bled, 
blistered, and have his body opened by sharp clysters or purgative 
"medicines. But infold a >e, or when the disease proceeds from re- 
luxation or debility. Which is generally the case, a quite contrary 
course mii'si he pursued. The diet must be warm and invigorating, 
seasoned with spicy and aromatic vegetables, as mustard horse-ra- 
.dish, &c. The drink may be generous wine, mustard whey, or 
brandy and water. Friction with the flesh brush or a warm hand, 
Ts extremely proper, especially on the parts affected. Blistering- 
plasters may likewise be applied to ‘the affected parts with advan¬ 
tage When this cannot be done, they may be rubbed with the vo¬ 
latile liniment, or the nerve ointment of the Edinburgh dispensatory. 
One of the best external applications is electricity. The shocks, 
or‘rather vibrations, should be received on the part affected 3 and 
they ought daily to be repeated for several weeks. 

Vomits are very beneficial, in this kind of palsy, and ought fre¬ 
quently to be administered. Cephalic snuff, or any thing that makes 
the patient sneeze, is likewise of use. Some pretend to have 
,found greal benefit from rubbing the parts affected with nettles; 
but this does not seem to be any way preferable to blistering. If 
the tongue is affected, the patient may gargle his month frequently 
witli brandy and mustard ; or he may hold a bit of sugar in his 
mouth wet With the 'palsy-drops or compound spirits of lavender. 
The wild valerian-root is a very proper medicine in this case. Ic 
- mav either be taken in an infusion with sage-leaves, or half a drra kin 
of it in powder may be given in a glass of wine three or four 
times' a-day. If the patient cannot use the Valerian, he may lake, 
of sal volatile oleosum, compound spirits of lavender, and tincture of 
castor each half an ounce ; mix these together, and take forty or fifty 
drops 111 a glass of wine, three 01 four times a-day. I\ table-spoon- 
rul of mustard-seed taken frequently is a very good medicine. 1 ho 
patient ought likewise to chew cinnamon bark, ginger, or other warm 
spiceries. 

* Many people imagine that tea has no tendency to hurt the-nerves, r.rd 
that drinking the fame quantity of warm water would be equally pernjticus. 
This however fee ms to be a mistake. Many per ions mink three or four 
caps of warm milk and water daily, without feeling any bad eomcqueuces; ; et 
the fame quantity of tea will make their hands (hake *or twenry-icur hours. 
That tea a (lefts the nerves, is likewife evident from i;s preventing (let p, 00 
eafioning giddiness, climnefs of the light, fieknels, ike. 


M il l 


Exercise 



M. 


r ± n n. lb r l JL h, r d i; 


Exercise is of the utmost importance in the palsy ; but the pati¬ 
ent must be ware of cold, damp, and moist'air. He ought to weal 
flannel next his skin; and, if possible, should remove into a wafm- 
er climate. 


OF TIIE EPILEPSY, Oil F JSSJ 


1KNES& 


THE epilepsy is a sudden cl throat ion-of ad the senses, wherein 
the patient falls suddenly down, and is affected' with violent con¬ 
vulsive motions. Children, especially those who are delicately 
brought up, are most subject fo its l.t more frequently attacks men 
than women, and is very difficult to cure. When the epilepsy attacks 
children, th d. C i. a reason to hope it may go off' about the time of 
puberty. 

When it attacks any persbfi after twenty' years of age, the cure 
is difficult; blit when after forty, a cure is hardly to be expected. 
If the fit continues only for a short space, and returns seldom, 
there is reason to hope; but if it continues long, and returns fre¬ 
quently, the prospect is bad. It is a very unfavourable symptom 
when the patient is seized with the fits'm his deep. 

•CAUSES.--The epilepsy is sometimes hereditary. It may 

likewi se proceed from blows, bruises, or wounds or the head; a 
collection of water, blood, or serous, humours in the brain; a po¬ 
lypus ; tumours or concretions within the skull , excessive drink¬ 
ing; intense study ; excess of venery ; worms ; teething ; suppres¬ 
sion of customary evacuations; too great emptiness or repletion ; 
violent passions or affections of (he mind, as fear, joy, &o. hysteric 
affections; contagion received into the body, as the inlection of the 
small-pox, measles. See. 

SYMPTOMS.-An epileptic fit u generally preceded by un- 

usual weariness; pain of the head; dulness; giddiness; noise in 
the ears; dimness of sight; palpitation of the heart; disturbed 
sleep; difficult breathing; the bowels are inflated with wind; 
the urine is in groat quantity, but thin; the complexion is pale; 
the extremities areccld; and the patient often feels, as it were, a 
stream of cold air ascending tow ards his head. 

In the fit, the patient generally makes an unusual noise ; his 
thumbs are drawn in towards xhc palms of the hands; his eyes are 
distorted; he starts, and foams at the mouth; his extremities are 
bent or twisted various wavs; he often discharges his seed, urine, 
and faeces involuntarily ; and is quite destitute of all sense and 
reason. After the fit is over, his senses gradually return, and he 
complains of a kind of stupor, weariness, and pain of his head ; 
but ha . no remembrance of what happened to him during the fit. 

The fits are sometimes excited by violent affections of tiie mind, 
a debauch of liquor, excessive heat, cold, or the like. 

This'disease, from the difficulty of investigating its causes, and 
its strange symptoms, was formerly attributed to the wrath of the 
gods, or the agency of evil fprits. In mod. rn times it has often, 
by the vulgar, been imputed to witchcraft or fascination. It de¬ 
pends 


OR FALLING SICKNESS. 


253 ' 

pMflds, however, as much upon natural causes as any other malady; 
and its cure may often be effected by persisting in the use of 
proper means. 

REGIMEN.--Epileptic patients ought, if possible, to breathe 

a pure and free air. Their diet should be light but-nourishing. They 
ought to drink nothing strong, to avoid swine's flesh, water-fowl, 
and likewise all windy and. oily vegetables, as cabbage, nuts, 
&c. They ought to keep themselves cheerful, carefully guarding 
against all violent passions, as anger, fear, excessive joy, and the 
like. . 

Exercise is likewise of great use; but the patient must be care¬ 
ful to avoid aUextremes either of heat or cold, all dangerous situa¬ 
tions, as standing upon precipices, ruling, deep waters, and such 
like. 

MEDICINE.—The intentions of cure must vary according to 
the cause of the disease. If the patient be of a sanguine tern*' 
perament, and there be reason to fear an obstruction in the brain, 
bleeding and other evacuations will be necessary. When the dis¬ 
ease is occasioned by the stoppage of customary evacuations, these, 
if possible, must berestored ; if this cannot be done, others may 
be substituted in their place. Issues or setons in this case have 
often a very good effect. When there is reason to believe that 
the d isease proceeds from worms, proper medicines must be used 
to kill, or carry off these vermin. When the disease proceeds 
from teething, the body should kept open by emollient clysters, 
the feet frequently bathed in warm water, and if the fits prove ob¬ 
stinate, a blistering-plaster may be put between the shoulders. The 
same method is to be followed, when epileptic fts precede the .erup¬ 
tion of the.small pox, or measles. See., - ’ 

When the disease is hereditary, or proceeds from a wrong for¬ 
mation of the brain, a cure is not to be expected. When it is 
owing to a debility, or too great an irritability of the nervous sys¬ 
tem, such medicines as tend to brace and strengthen the nerves 
may be used, as the Peruvian bark, and steel; or the anti-epileptic 
electuaries, recommend by Fuller and Mead*. 

The flowers of zinc have of fate . been .highly extolled for the 
cure of the epilepsy Though this medicine, will not be found to 
answer the expectations which have been raised concerning it, yet 
in obstinate epileptic cases it deserves a trial. Thedose is from one 
to three or four grains, which may be taken either in pills or a 
bolus, as the patient inclines. The best method is to begin with a 
single grain four or five times a-tlay, and gradually to inciease the 
dose as far as the patient can hear it. I have known this medicine, 
when duly persisted in, prove-beneficial. <■ 

Musk has sometimes been found to succeed in the epilepsy. Ten 
or twelve grains of it, with the same quantity of factitious cinna¬ 
bar, may be made up into a bolus, and taken every night and 
morning. 

Sometimes the epilepsy has been cured by electricity. 

* $ee Appendix, Electuary for the Epilepsy. 

Convulsion^-fits 





254 


O F T II E 


ICG U P. 


Convulsion -fits proceed from the same causes, and must be treat-) 
ed in the same manner as the epbepsy. 

There is one particular species of convulsion-fits vybich com¬ 
monly goes, by the name of St. Vitus’s dance, wherein the patient 
is agitated with strange motions and gesticulations, winch bv the 
common people are generally believed to be the effects of witch¬ 
craft. Tnis disease may be ctired bv repeated bleedings and purg¬ 
es; and afterwards using the medicines prescribed above tor the 
epilepsy, viz. the Peruvian hark and snake-root, Szc. Chalybeate- 
waters are foiind to be beneficial ill this case. The- cold bath is 
likewise of singular service, and ought never to be neglected when 
the patient can bear it. 


OF THE II I CCU Pv 


THE -hiccup .is a spasmodic or convulsive affection of the stomach- 
and midriff, arising from any cause that irritates their nervous fibres. 

It may proceed from excess in eating or drinking, from a Imre of 
the stomach; poisons; inflammations or sell ir.ro us tumours of the. 
stomach, intestines, bladder, midriff, or the resf of iln viscera, in 
’ gangrene's, a^ute and malignant levers, a hiccup is often ih.e ' ore- 
runner of deaths 

When the hiccup proceeds from the use of aliment that i>: flatulent. 
Or hard of digestion, a draught of generous v me, or a dram of any 
spbitons liquor, will generally remote it. If poison be the cause, 
plenty of milk and oil must be drank, as has been formerly lecom- 
mended. When it proceeds from an inflammation.of the stomach. 
Sic. it is very dangerous. In this case the c ooling regimen ought* 
to be strictly observed. The patient must be bjed, and take fre¬ 
quently a few drops of the sweet spirits of nitre in a c up of wine. 
His stomach, should likewise be fomented with cloths dipped in 
w arm water, or have bladders filled With, warm milk and .water ap¬ 
plied to it. 


When the hiccup proceeds from a gangrene or mortification,, the 
Peruvian bark, with other antiseptics, are the onl\ medicines which 
have a chance to succeed. When it is a primary disease, and pro¬ 
ceeds from a foul st.oma.ch, loaded either with a pi tub ou.s or a bili¬ 
ous humour, a gentle vomit and purge, if the patient be able to 
bear them, will be of. service If it arises from flatulencies, the 
carminative medicines directed for the heart-burn must be used. 

When the hiccup proves very obstinate, recourse must be had to 
the most powerful aroma no and antis pa smpdic medicines. The prin¬ 
cipal ot these is musk ; fifteen or twenty grains of which may be 
made into a hoops, and repeated occasionally. Opiates are likewise 
of service; but they must be used with caution. A bit of- sugar 
dipped in compound spirits of lavender, or the volatile aromatic tinc¬ 
ture, may be taken frequently. External applications are sometimes 
qlso beneficial; as the.stomach plaster, or a cataplasm of the Ve¬ 
nice treacle ot the Edinburgh or London dispensatory, applied to the 
region of the stomach. 


I laielv 


MJW-- 


CRAMP OF THE STOMACH. 255 -, 

X.lately attended a patient who had almost a constant hiccup for 
above nine weeks. It was frequently stopped by the use of musk, 
opium, wine, and other cordial and antispasmodic medicines, but al¬ 
ways returned. Nothing however gave the patient so much ease 
as brisk small-beer. By delinking freely of this,, the hiccup was of¬ 
ten kept off lor several ds'ys, wnich was more than could be done 
by the most powerful medicines. Tne patient was at length seized 
with a vomiting of blood, which soon put an end to his life. Up¬ 
on opening the body, a large sch.iirons tunumr was found near the 
pylorus or right orifice of the stomach. 

The hiccup may be removed by taking vinegar; or by a few drops 
of the oil of vitriol taken in water. 


CRAMP OF THE STOMACH. 

THIS disease often seizes people su He ply, is very dangerous, 
and requires immediate assistance It is most incident to persons in 
the decline of life, especially the nervous, gouty, hysteric, and hypo¬ 
chondriac. 

If the patient has any inclination to vomit, he ought to take some 
draughts of warm water, or weak camomile tea, to cleanse his sto¬ 
mach. After this, if he has been costive, a laxative clyster may be 
given. He ought then to take laudanum. The best way of 
administering it is in a clyster. Sixty or seventy drops of liquid lau¬ 
danum may be given in a clyster of warm water. This is much 
more certain than laudanum given by the mouth, which is often vo¬ 
mited, and in some cases increases the pain and spasms in the sto¬ 
mach. 

If the pains and cramps return with gp.eat violence, after the ef¬ 
fects of the anodyne clyster are over, another, with an equal or larg¬ 
er quantity of opium, may he given; and every four or five hours 
a bolus, with ten or twelve grains of imisk, and half a drachm of 
the Venice treacle. 

In the mean time the stomach,ought to be fomented with cloths 
dipped in warm water, or bladders filled with warm milk an 1 water 
should be applied to it. I have often seen these produce the most 
happy effects. The anodyne balsam may also be rubbed on the part 
affected; and an anti-hysteric plaster, worn upon it for some time 
after the cramps are removed, to prevent their return. 

In very violent and lasting pains of the stomach, some blood 
on Hit to be let, unless the weakness of the patient forbids it. When 
the pains or cramps proceed from a suppression of th emerges, bleed¬ 
ing is of, use. If they be owing to the gout, recourse must be had 
to Spirits, or some of the warm cordial waters. Blistering plasters 
ought likewise in this case to be applied to the ancle*. I have of¬ 
ten seen violent cramps and pains of the stomach removed by cover¬ 
ing it with a large plaster of Venice treacle. 




OF T H E NIGHT-MA RE. 

IN this disease the patient, in time of sleep, imagines lie feels aii^ 
Uncommon oppression or weight about his breast or stomach, which 
lie can by no means shake off He groans, and sometimes cries out, 
though oftener he attempts to speak in vain. Sometimes he imagines 
himself engaged with an enemy, and in danger of being killed, at¬ 
tempts to run away, blit finds he cannot . Sometimes he fancies 
himself in a house .that is on fire, or that he is in danger of being 
drowned in a river. He often thinks lie is falling over a precipice^ 
and the dread of being dashed to pieces suddenly awakes him. 

This disorder has been supposed to proceed from too much blood ; . 
from a stagnation of bl6o,d in the brain, lungs, &c, But it is rather 
a nervous affection, and arises chiefly from indigestion. Hence we . 
find that person? of wc»k nerves,, who lead a sedentary life, and live 
full, are most commotily afflicted with the night-mare. Nothing 
tends more to produce it than heavy suppers, especially when eaten 
late, or the patient goes to bed soon after. Wind is likewise a very 
frequent cause'of this disease; for which reason those who are af¬ 
flicted wiih it ought 10 avoid all flatulent food. Deep thought, 
anxiety, or any thing that oppresses the mind, ought also to be avoid¬ 
ed. 

As.persons afflicted with the night-mare generally moan, or make 
some noise in the fit, they should be waked, or spoken to by such as 
hear them, as the uneasiness generally goes off as soon as the patient 
2 S awake. Du Whytt says, he generally found, a dram of brandy, 
taken at bed-time, prevent this, disease. That however is a bad 
custom, and in time loses its effects. We would rather have the 
patient depend upon the use of food of easy digestion, cheerfulness, 
-exercise through the day, and a light sapper taken early, than to ac¬ 
custom himself (o drams, A glass; of peppermint water will often 
promote digestion as much as a glass of brandy, and is much safer. 
After a person of weak digestion, however, has eatgn flatulent food, 
a dram may be necessary. 

Persons who are young and full of blood, if troubled with the „ 
night-mare, ought to take a purge frequently, and use a spare diet. 


O F S ¥ O O N I N G S. 

PEOPLE of weak nerves or delicate constitutions are liable to.., 
swoonings or fainting-fits. These indeed are seldom dangerous, 
when duly attended to; but when wholly neglected, or improperly 
treated, they often prove hurtful, and sometimes fatal. 

The general causes of swoonings are, sudden transition from 
cold to heat; breathing air that is deprived of its proper spring or 
elasticity; great fatigue; excessive weakness; loss of blood; long 
fasting; tear, grief, and other violent passions or affections of the 
jflind. 



O F S W O O N I N G S. 



It is well known, tl'.at persons who liave been long exposed fo 
robi, often faint or fall into,a swoon, upon coming into the house, 
especially if they drink hot liquor, or sit near a large fire. This 
might easily be prevented by people taking care not to go into a 
warm room immediately after they liave been exposed to the cold 
air, to approach the fife gradually,and not to eat or drink ally thing 
hot, till the body has been gradually brought into a Warm tempera¬ 
ture. 

When any one, in consequence of neglecting these precautions, 
falls into a swoon, he ought immediately to be removed to a cooler 
apartment, to have ligaturers applied above his knees and elbows, 
and to have his hands and face sprinkled with vinegar or cold water. 
He should likewise be made to smell to vinegar, and should have a 
spoonful or twoof water, if he can swallow, with about a third part 
of vinegar mixed with it, poured into his mouth. If these should 
not remove the complaint, Twill be necessary to bleed the patient, 
and afterwards to give him a clyster. 

As air that is breathed frequently loses its elasticity or spring, it 
is no wonder if persons who respire in it often fall into a swoon or 
fainting-fit. They are in this case deprived of the very principle 
of life. Hence it is that fainting-fits are so frequent in all crowd ¬ 
ed assemblies, especially in hot seasons. Such fits, however, must 
be considered as a kind of temporary death; and to the weak and 
delicate, they sometimes prove fatal.' They ought therefore with 
the utmost care to be guarded against. The method of doing this 
is obvious. Let assembly rooms, and all other places of public 
resort, be large and well ventilated ; and let the weak and delicate 
avoid such places, particularly in warm seasons. 

A person who faints, in such a situation, ought immediately to 
be carried into the open air; his temples should be rubbed with 
strong vinegar or brandy, and volatile spirits of salts held to his none. 
He should be laid upon his back with his head low, and have a lit¬ 
tle wine, or some other cordial, as soon as he is able to swallow it, 
poured into his mouth. If the person has been subject to hysteric 
fits, castor or asafoetida should be applied to the nose, or burnt fea¬ 
thers, horn, or leather, &c. 

When fainting-fits proceed from mere weakness or exhaustion, 
which is often the case after great fatigue, long fasting, loss of blood 
or the like, the patient must be supported with generous cordials, as 
jellies, wines, spirituous liquors, &c. These however must be 
given at first in very small quantities, and increased gradually as the 
patient is able to bear them. He ought to be allowed to liequite still 
and easy upon his back, with his head low, and should have fresh 
air admitted into his chamber. His food should consist of nourishing 
broths, sago-gruel w ith wine, new milk, and other things of a light 
and cordial nature. These things are to be given out of the fit. All 
that canbe done in the fit is, to let him smell to a bottle of Hunga- 
ry-water, euu de luce, or spiritsof hartshorn, and to rub his temples 
with warm brandy, or to lay a compress dipped in it to the pit of tha 


stomach. 

In fainting fits that proceed from fear. 


grief, or other violent pa-'. 


sions 



258 


OF'FLATULENCIES, OR WIND. 


sions or affections of'the mind, the patient rouct he very cautiously 
managed. He should be suffered to remain at rest, and only made 
to smell some vinegar. After he is come to himself ne may drink 
freely of warm lemonade, or balm-tea, with some orange or lemon- 
pecl in it. It will likewise be proper, ii the tainting hi s have been 
long and severe, to clean the bowels by throwing in an emollient 
clyster. ... 

It. is common in fainting fits, from whatever cause they proceed, 
to bleed the pnbent. ^ his practice mnv be very proper in strong 
persons of a foil habit; but in those who are weak and delicate, or 
subject to nervrms disorders, it is dangerous. The "proper method 
with such people is, to-ex pose them to the tree air, and to use cordial 
and stimulating medicines, as volatile salts, H ungary-water, spirits 
of bvender, tincture''•■■of castor, and tire like. 


OF FLATULENCIES, Oil WIND. 


ALL nervous patients,“without exception, are afflicted with wind 
“or fiaiulencics in the stomach and’bowels, which arise.chiefly from 
the want of tone or vigour ii' these organs. Crude flatulent aliment, 
as green peas, beans, cpieworts, cabbages, and such like, may in¬ 
crease Ibis complaint; but strong -and healthy people are seldom 
troubled with wind, unless they either overload their stomachs, or 
drink liquors that are in a fermenting state, and consequently full of 
elastic air. .While therefore the matter of flatulence proceeds' from 
our aliments, (he c ruse whir h makes air separate from them in such 
quantity as to occabon complaints, is almost always a fault of the 
'bowels themselves, which are too weak either to prevent the pro¬ 
duction of elastic air, or to expel it. after it is produced. 

To relieve this complaint, such medicines ought to be used as have 
<1 tendency to expel wind, and by strengthening the alimentary canal, 
to prevent its being produced there ' . 

The list of medicines for expelling Wind is very numerous ; they 
often however disappvuntt.be expectations of both the physician and 
his patient. The most celebrated among the class of carminative's 
arc juniper berries; the roots of ginger andzedoary; the seeds of 
■arose, carraway, and coriander; gum asafetida and opium; the 
warm waters, tinciures-' and spirits, as the aromatic water, the 
tinctures of woodsoot, the volatile aiomatic-spirit, aether, Szc. 

Dr. Why if says, he found no medicines more efficacious in ex¬ 
pelling wind than set her. and laudanum He , nerally gave theiau- 
d-aniilin in a mixture with poppet mint-water and tincture of castor, 
or sweet spirits of nine. Sometimes, in place of this, h« gave 
opium in pills w ith asafeetjda. He observes that the good effects of 
opiates are equally conspicuous, whether the flatulence be contained 

* Many nervous people find great benefit from eating a dry buifeuit, es¬ 
pecially when the ftomach is empty. I look upoivihis as one. of the beft car¬ 
minative medicines ; and would recommend it in all complaints of the fto- 
maeii, arifing from flatulence, iudigefdcn, kc. 



OF FLATULENCIES, OR WIND. 259 

»‘i . - 4 < • • ’* ■ _ > 

on the stomach or intestines; whereas those warm medicines, com* 

inonjy called carminatives, do not often give immediate relief, except 
when the wind is in the stomach. : , . , ; , , <■ • 

, With regard to aether, the Dr. says, he has .often seen very good 
effects from it in flatulent complaints, vy'nore other medicines failed. 
The dose is a tea-spoonful mixed with two table-spoon fu,k of water* 

In gouty cases he observes, that aether, a glass of French brandy, 
or of the. aromatic water, or ginger, either taken in substance or in- 
fusedin boding water, are among the best medicines for expelling 
wind. .... ,... y, ; r « j. . ; , v . 

When the case of flatulent patients is such as makes it improper 
to give them warm medicines inwardly, the Doctor recommends ex¬ 
ternal applications,, which are ..sometimes of advantage. ; Equal 
parts.of the anti-hysteric ,and. spomach plaster may be spread upon.a 
piece of soft leather, of,,such size as to cover the greater part.of the 
belly. This should be kept on for a considerable time, provided the 
patient be able to bear-dif it should give great uneasiness it may 
be taken off, and the fallowing liniment used in its stead: 

Take of Batesks anodyne balsam an our.ee; of the expressed oil 
of mace half, an ounce ; oil of mint two drachms. Let these..j-ngre* 
..clients be mixed together, and about a table-spoonful well rubbed 
on the.parts at,bed-time., u ■ ... 

For strengthening the stomach and bo Weis, and consequently for 
lessening the production of flatulence, the Doctor recommends the 
Peruvian bark, bitter.^ chalybeates, and exercise. In flatulent ca¬ 
ses, he thinks .some nutmeg or ginger should be added to the tinc¬ 
ture of the bark and bitters, and tihat the aromatic powder should be 
"joined with the filings of iroii. , . .... . . 

, , When .windy., complaints are attended with costiveness, which is 
.often the case, few things will be found to answer better than four 
or five of the following pills taken every night at bed-time : , 

,. Take of asafoetida two drachms: succotrine aloes, salt of iron, 
*nd powdered ginger, of each one dra.chm ; as much of the elixir 
' proprietaiis as will be sufficient to form them into .pills... .. 

On the-other hand, when the body is. too open, twelve or fifteen 
grains of. rhubarb, with half a drachm or two scruples of the Japo¬ 
nic .confection, given every other evening, will have very good ef¬ 
fects.. . ...x-* v Xy - y •• : v 

, In those flatulent complaints which come on about the time the 
menses, cease; repeated small bleedings often give more relief than 
any other remedy. , ... -,. t 

, With regard to diet the Doctor observes, that tea, and likewise 
all flatulent aliments, ate to be avoided'; and that for drink, water 
with a little brandy or runt, is not only preferable to malt liquor, 
but in most cases also to wine. ... 

As Dr. Whytt has paid great attention to this subject, and as his 
sentiments upon it in a great measure agree with mine, I have ta- 

• * Though'the patient may begin with this quantity, it wifl be necessary 
to increalo the dote gradually as the itomach can,,bear it. /Ether is now 
given in c.onfiderably greater dofes than it was in Dr. Whytt’ynme. . 

Nn , ken 


OF LOW SPIRITS. 


250 

Ten the liberty to adopt them; and shall'only add to Ills observati¬ 
ons, that exercise is in ray opinion superior to all medicine, both 
Jo r preventing the production and likewise for expelling of'flatulen¬ 
cies. These eflec.tS\hovvever arc not to be expected from sauntering 
about, or lolling hi a Vantage; but from 'labour or svrch active 
amusements as give exercise to every part of the body. 

O F L O W S P 1 51 I T S. 

ALL who have weak nerves are subject to lovv spirits ir? great¬ 
er or less degree. Generous diet, the cold bath, exercise, and 
. amusements, are the most likely means to remove this complaint. 
It is greatly increased by solitude and indulging gloomy'ideas, but 
may often be relieved by cheerful company and Uprightly amuse¬ 
ments. 

When low spirits arrowing to a weak relaxed state of the sto¬ 
mach and bowels, an infusion of the Peruvian bark with cinnamon 
or nutmeg will be proper. Steel joined with aromatics may like¬ 
wise in this case be used with advantage; but riding and a 'proper 
diet are most to be depended on. 

When they arise from foulness of the stbfnach arid intestines, or 
obstructions in the hypochondriac viscera, aloetic purges will be 
proper. I have sometimes known the Harrovvgate sulphur-water 
of service in this case. 

When low spirits proceed from a suppression of the menstrua! of 
of the hasmorrhoidal flux, these evacuations may either be restored, 
or some other substituted in <heir place, as issues, setons or the like. 
Dr. Why It observes, that nothing has such sudden good effects’ in 
this case as bleeding. 

# # O 

When low spirits have been brought on by long continued grief, 
anxiety, or other distress of mind, agreeable company, variety of 
amusements, and change of place, especially travelling into foreign 
countries, will afford the most certain relief. 

Persons afflicted with low spirits should avoid all kinds of excess, 
especially of venerv and strong liquors. The moderate use of wine 
and other strong liquors is by no means hurtful; but when taken to 
excess they weaken the stomach, vitiate the humours, and depress 
the spirits. This caution is the more necessarv, as the unfortunate 
and melancholy often fly to strong liquors for relief, by which means- 
they never fail to precipitate their own destruction. 

OF HYSTERIC AFFECTIONS. 

THESE likewise belong to the numerous tribe of nervous clis- 
eases, which may be justly reckoned the reproach of medicine. Wo¬ 
men of a delicate habit, whose stomach and intestines are relaxed, 
and whose nervous system is extremely sensible, are most subject to 
hysteric complaints In such persons an hysteric fit, as it is called, 
may be brought on by an irritation of the nerves of the stomach or 
j jntestines, by wind, acrid humour, or the like. A sudden suppres- 

y sion 


OF HYSTERIC AFFECTIONS. 26i 

sion of the menses often gives rise to hysteric fits. They may like¬ 
wise be excited by violent passions or affect ions, of the mind, as. fear, 
grief, anger, or great disappointments. 

Sometimes the hysteric fit resembles a swoon or fainting fit,.dur¬ 
ing which the patient lies as in a sleep, only the breathing is so low 
as scarce to be perceived.. At other times the patient is affected 
with catchiogs and strong convulsions. The symptoms which pre¬ 
cede hysteric fits are likewise various.in different persons. Some¬ 
times the tits come on with coldness of the extremities, yawning and 
stretching, lowness of spirits, oppression and anxiety. At other 
times the approach of the fit is foretold by a feeling*as if there were a 
ball at the lower part of the belly, which gradually rises towards 
the stonjach, where it occasions inflation, sickness, and sometimes 
vomiting; afterwards it rises into the gullet, and occasions a de¬ 
gree of suffocation, to which quick breathing, palpitation of the 
heart, giddiness of the head, dimness of the sight, loss of hearing, 
with convulsive motions of the extremities and other parts of the 
body, succeed. The hysteric paroxysm is often introduced bv an 
immoderate fit of laughter, and sometimes it goes off by crying. 
Indeed there is not much difference between the laughing and cry¬ 
ing of an highly hysteric lady. 

Our aim in the treatment of this disease, must be to .shorten the 
fit or paroxysm when present, and to prevent its return. The long 
ex the fits continue, and the more frequently they return, the dis¬ 
ease becomes the more obstinate. Their strength is increased by 
habit, and they induce so great a relaxation of the system, that it is/ 
with difficulty removed, 

it is customary during the hysteric fit or paroxysm, to bleed the* 
patient. In strong persons of a plethoric habit, and where the pulse 
is full, this may be proper; but in weak and delicate constitutions, 
or where the disease has been of long standing, or arises from inani¬ 
tion, it is not safe. The best cour f e in suefl cases is to rouse the pa¬ 
tient by strong smells, as burnt feathers, asafeetida, or spirits of 
hartshorn, held to the nose. Hot brides may also be applied to the 
soles of the feet, and the legs, arms and belly may he strongly rub 
bed with a warm cloth. But the best application is to put the feet 
and legs into warm water. This is peculiarly proper when the fits, 
precede the flow of the menses ... In case of costiveness, a laxative 
clyster with asafeetida will be proper ; and as soon, as the patient can 
swallow, two table spoonfuls of asqlulion of asafeetida, or of some 
cordial julep, may be given - *. 

The radical cure of this disorder will be best attempted at a time 
when the patient is most free from the fits, It will be greatly pro- 

* When, hylteric fits are ocr.afioned by fympathy, they may be cured by 
exciting an oppofite paffion. This is faid to have been the cafe of a whole 
fchool of young ladies in Holland, who were all cured by being told, that 
the firft who was feized fhould be burnt to death. Eut this method of cure, 
to my knowledge, will not always fucceed. I would therefore advife, that 
voung laiies who are fubjedl to hyfteric fits fhould not be lent to boarding 
fchools as the difeafe may be caught by imitation. X have known madnels 
itfelf brought on by fympathy. 


moled 


252 


OF- HYSTERIC. AFFECTIONS. 


mo ted by a proper attention to diet. A milk and vegetable dieiq, 
when duly persisted in, will often perform a cure. ’ If however the 7 
patient has been accustomed to a more generous diet, it will not be' 
safe to leave it off all at once, but by degrees. The most proper" 
drink is water with a small quantity of'spirits. A cool dry air is 
the best. Cold bathing, and every thing that braces the nerves and 
invigorates the system, is beneficial; but lying too long in bed, or 
whatever' relaxes the body, is lnir!tub ! It is of the greatest import¬ 
ance to have the mind kept constantly easy and cheerful, and, if 
possible, to have it always engaged in some agreeable and interest¬ 
ing pursuit. '• ‘ 

The proper medicines are thoye which strengthen the alimentary 
canal and the whole nervous system, as the preparations of , mi, the 
Peruvian bark and other bitters. Twenty drops of the elixir of 
vitriol, in a cup of thef infusion of the bark, may be taken twice or 
thrice a-day; ‘ The bark and iron may likewise be taken in substance, 
provided the stomach can bear them ; but they are generally given 
in too small dozes to have any effect. The chalybeate waters gene¬ 
rally prove beneficial in this disorder. 

If the stomach i:;i/;aded with phlegm, vomits will be of use; but 
they should not be too Strong, nor frequently repeated, as they tend 
to relax abd weaken the’stomach. If there be a tendency to co<- 
tiveness, it must be removed either by diet, or by taking an opening 
pill as'often as it shall be found necessary. ' ' ’ ’ ■ 

.To lessen the irritability of the system, anti-spasmodic medicines 
will be of use. ' The best anti|pasmodic medicares are musk, opium 
and castor. When Opium disagrees with tlie stomach, it may either 
fce applied externally, or given in clysters.■ If is often successful 
In removing those periodical head-achs to which hysteric and hypo¬ 
chondriac patients are subject-.* Castor has in some cases been found 
to procure sleep where opium failed ; for which reason Dr. Whytt 
advises, that they should be joined together. He likewise recom¬ 
mends the anti-hysteric plaster to be applied to the abdomen *. 

Hysteric women are often afflicted with cramps, in various parts 
of the body, which are most apt to seize them in bed, or when a- 
sleep, The most efficacious medicines in this case, are opium, blis-' 
tering-plasters, and warm bathing or fomentations’ When the' 
cramp or spasm is very violent, opium is the remedy most to be de¬ 
pended on. In milder cases,' immersing the feet and legs in warm 
water, or applying a blistering-plaster to the part affected, will often 
be sufficient to remove the complaint. ' In patients whose nerves are 
uncommonly delicate and sensible, it will be better to omit the blis¬ 
tering-plaster, and tb attempt the cure by opiates, musk, camphire,' 
and the warm bath. 

Cramps are often prevented or cured by compression. Thus 
cramps in the legs are prevented, and sometimes removed, by tight 
bandages ; and when convulsions arise from a flatulent distention of 

* Though antifpafmodics and anodynes ore univerfally recommended in 
this diseafe, yet all the extraordinary cures that I ever knew in hyfteric c,a- 
fes, were performed by means of tonic and corroborating medicines. 

I • 1 1 • ' the 


OF HYPOCHONDRIAC, AFFECTIONS. 2<A 


the intestines, or from spasms beginning in them, they may be often 
lessened or cured by making a pretty strong compression upon, the 
(tb do men by means of a broad belt. A roll of brimstone held m the 
hand is frequently used as a remedy for cramps. Though this seems 
to owe its effects chiefly to imagination, yet, as it sometimes sue* 
reeds, it merits a trial *. Whe’frsprisms or convulsive motions arise 
from sharp humours in the stomach or intestines, no lasting relief 
can be procured till these are either corrected or expelled. The 
Peruvian bark has sometimes cured periodic convulsions after other 
medicines had tailed. 



THIS disease generally attacks the indolent, the luxurious, the 
unfortunate, and the studious. It becomes daily more common in 
this country, owing,' no, doubt, to the increase of luxury and seden¬ 
tary employments, it has so near a resemblance to the immediately 
preceding, tliat many authors consider them as the same,disease, and 
treat them accordingly. They require however, a very different re-, 
gimen ; and the symptoms of the latter, though less violent, are 
more permanent than those of the former. ♦ 

Men of a melancholy temperament, whose minds are capable of 
great attention, and whose passions are not easily moved, are in the 
advanced periods of life, most liable to this disease, it is usual !v 
brought on by long and serious attention to abstruse subjects, grief, 
the suppression of customary evacuations, excess of venerv, the re- 
pul.don of cutaneous eruptions, long-continued evacuations, obstruc¬ 
tions in some of the viscera, as the liver, spleen, &c. 

' Hypochondriac persons ought never to fast long, and their food 
should be solid and nourishing. All acescent and windy vegetables 
are to be avoided. Flesh meats agree best with them, and their 
drink should be old claret, or good madeira. Should these disagree 
Vyith the stomach, water with a little brandy or rum in it may he 
drank. - 

Cheerfulness and serenity of mind are by all means to be cultiva¬ 
ted. Exercise of every kind is useful. The cold bath is likewise 
beneficial ; and where it does not agree with the patient, frictions 
with the flesh-brush or a coarse cloth may be tried. If the patient 
has it in his power, lie ought to travel either by sea or land. A vo\ - 
3ge or a long journey, especially towards a warmer v innate, will bo 
of more service than any medicine. ” 

The general intentions of cure in this disease, are to strengthen 
the alimentary canal, and to promote the secretions These intern? 
fions will be best answered by the different preparations of iron and 
the Peruvian bark, which, after proper evacuations, may be taken 
in the same manner as directed in the preceding disease. 

* Rome perfons afflicted with cramps pretend to reap great benefit from 
Imall bundles of rofemary tied ail night about their feet, ancles, and knees. 

' • • • ^ If 


2OF HYPOCHONDRIAC AFFECTIONS. 

t. J •» 

If the patient be costive, it will be necessary to make use of some 
gentle opening medicine, as pills composed of-equal parts of aloes, 
rhubarb, and asafcetida,- with as much of the elixir proprietatis as is 
necessary to .form the ingredients into pills. Two, three, or four 
of these may be taken as often as it shall be found needful, to keep 
the body gently open,. Such as cannot bear the asafcetida, may sub¬ 
stitute Spanish soap in its place. 

Though a cheerful glass may have good effects in this disease, yet 
all manner of excess is hurtful. Intense study, and every thing that 
depresses the spirits, are likewise pernicious. 

Though the general symptoms and treatment of nervous disorders 
were pointed out in the beginning of this chapter ; yet, for the be¬ 
nefit of the unhappy persons afflicted with those obstinate and com¬ 
plicated maladies, I have treated several of their capital symptoms 
under distinct or separate heads. These however are not to be con¬ 
sidered as different diseases, but as various modifications of the same 
disease. They all arise from the same general causes, and require 
nearly the same method of treatment. There arc many other symp¬ 
toms that merit particular attention, which the nature of my plan 
will not permit me to treat of at full length. I shall therefore omit 
them altogether, and conclude this chapter with a few' general re¬ 
marks on the most ohyjogs means of preventing or avoiding nervous 
•disorders. 

In all persons afflicted vv.ith nervous disorders, there is a great de¬ 
licacy, and sensibility of the w hole nervous system, and an uncom-T 
non degree of. weakness of the organs of digestion. These may be 
either natural oracquired. When owing to a defect in. the constitution, 
they are hardly, to be removed ; but may be mitigated by proper care. 
When induced by diseases, as long or repeated fevers, profuse hae¬ 
morrhages, or the like, they prove also very obstinate, and will 
yield only to a course of regimen calculated to restore and invigorate 
the habit. 

But nervous affections arise more frequently from causes, which 
it is in a great measure in our own power to avoid, than from disea¬ 
ses, or- an original fault in the constitution, &c. Excessive grief, 
intense study, improper diet, and neglect of exercise, are the great 
sources ©f this extensive class of diseases. 

It has been already observed, that gt ief indulged destroys the 
appetite and digestion, depresses the spirits, and induces an univer¬ 
sal relaxation and debility of the whole system. Instances of this 
are daily to be seen, The loss of a near relation, or any ether mis¬ 
fortune in life, is often sufficient to occasion the most complicated - 
series of nervous symptoms. Such misfortunes.indeed are not to be 
avoided, but surely their effects, by a vigorous and proper exertion 
of tberaind, might be rendered less hurtful. For directions in this 
matter, we must refer the reader to the article Grief, in the chap¬ 
ter on the passions. 

The effects of intense study are pretty similar to those occasioned 
by grief. It preys upon the animal spirits, and destroys the appe¬ 
tite and digestion. To prevent these effects, studious persons ought* 

according 


DISORDERS OF THE SENSES. 26 'S 

according to the Poet, to toy with their books*. They should never 
study too long at a time ; nor attend long to one particular subject, 
especially if it be of a serious nature. They ought likewise to be 
attentive to their posture, and should take care frequently to un¬ 
bend their minds by music, diversions, or going into agreeable com¬ 
pany. 

With regard to diet, I shall only observe, that nervous diseases 
may be induced either by excess or inanition. Both of these ex¬ 
tremes hurt digestion, and vitiate the humours. When Nature is 
oppressed with fresh loads of food, before she has had time to di¬ 
gest and assimilate the former meal, her powers are weakened, and 
the vessels are filled with crude humours. On the other hand, when 
the food is not sufficiently nourishing, or is taken too seldom, the 
bowels are inflated with wind, and the humours, for want of regu-i" 
lar fresh supplies of wholesome chyle, are vitiated. These extremes 
are therefore with equal care to be avoided. They both lend to in¬ 
duce a relaxation, and debility of the neivous system, with all Us 
dreadful train of consequences. 

But the most general cause of nervous disorders, is indolence . The 
active and laborious are seldom troubled with them. They are re¬ 
served for the children of ease and affluence, who generally feel 
their keenest force. All we shall say to such persons, is, that the 
means of prevention and cure are both in their own power. If the 
constitution of human nature be such, that man must either labour or 
suffer diseases, surely no individual has any right to expect an ex¬ 
emption from the general rule.- 

Those however who are willing to take exercise, but whose occu¬ 
pations confine them to the house, and perhaps to an unfavourable 
posture, really deserve our pity. We have in a former part of the 
Look, endeavoured to lay down rules for their conduct; and shall 
only add, that where these cannot be complied with, their place 
may, in some measure, be supplied by the use of bracing and 
strengthening medicines, as the Peruvian baik, with oilier bitters; 
the preparations of steel; the elixir of vitriol, &c. 

C H A P. XLIV. 

DISORDERS OF THE SENSES. 

W E do not mean to treat of the nature of our sensations, or to 
give a minute description of the various organs by which they 
are performed ; but to point out some of the diseases to which these 
organs are most liable, and to shew how they may be prevented or 
remedied. 

* Armstrong on Health. 

OF 




{ 266 


\ 

/ 


G F T II E - E Y E 


NO organ of the body i > subject <d more diseases than the eye * 
nor is there any one of which the diseases aie*more difficult to c ure. 
Though more ignorant persons pretend to cure these .than any other 
class of diseases; yet a very superficial acquamtar.ee with t lie struc¬ 
ture of the eye, and the nature of vision, will be sufficient to con¬ 
vince any .one of the danger of trus!ing to them. These diseased 
often exceed the skill of the most learned physician j hence ire may 
easily infer !he danger of trusting them 1 to ignorant quacks, who, 
v' ithoiU all peradvcihufe, put out more eyes than they cure. But, 
though the diseases of the eye can sel.ioei be cured, they might 
often, by due care, be prevented : and, even where the sight is to- 
tally lost, many tilings might be done, which arc generally neglected, 
to render the unhappy person, both more useful to himself and to so¬ 
ciety-. 


jfhe eyes are hurt by viewing bright or luminous objects ‘ keep? 
!ng the head too long iti a hanging posture • violent head-.achs; ex¬ 
cessive venery ; the long use of bitters; the effluvia from acrid or 
volatile substances; various, diseases ; as the shiall-pox; measles, 
&c. but above all; from night-watching, end candle-light studies:. 
Long fasting is likewise hurtful to the eyes, and frequent heats and 
colds are no less pernicious. The eyes are often hurt by the stop¬ 
page of customary evacuations ; as morning sweats ; sweating of 
the feet; the menses in women; :md the bleeding-piles iwmen Alt 
l inds of excess are likewise hurtful to the sight', particularly the im¬ 
moderate use of ardent spirits, and other strong liquors, . r . 

In all diseases of the eyes, especially .those attended with inflam¬ 
mation, the eoo! regimen ought to be observed. The patient must' 
abstain from all spiritous liquors. The snibkh of tobacco, smoky 
room?, the vapours of onions clnd gdrl'ic, and ah vivid lights and 
glaring colours, are carefully to be avoided. The drink njay.be wa¬ 
fer, Whey, or small beer; and the aliment me<t be light and of easy 
digestion. 

For preventing disorders of the eyes, Issues and scions are of 
prime use. Every person whose eves are tender, ought to have one 
or more of these, in some part of the body. It will likewise be of 
use to keep the body gentry open, and either to bleed or purge every 
.spruw and fall. All excess and night similes are to be avoided. 

i O o 


* It & a pity thofe who have the misfortune to be horn blind, or,who lofe 
their fyght when young, ihould hefuiTered f o remain in ignorance, or to beg. 
This is both cruelty and want of economy. There are many employment^ 
of which blind perfohs are very capable, as knitting, carding, turning- a 
wheel, teaching languages, kc. Nor are i dances w arning of perions who 
have arrived at the highelt pitch of learning, without having the lea 11 idea 
of light. Witnefs the late famous Nicholas Sander ion of Cambridge, and 
mv worthy friend Dr. Thomas IMacklock of Edinburgh. The former was 
one of the frit mathematicians of his age, and the. latter, beiides being a 
good poet and philofopher, is mailer of all the lear ned languages, and a very 
con fide raid e adept in the liberal-arts. 


Such 


OF THE EYE. 


267 


. 1 • . * ' ' > t ' . « . f < t . ■ IV. , ' N V t 

. ouch as do not choose a seton or an issue, will reap benefit from 
Wearing a small Burgundy-pitch plaster between their shoulders. 

A gutta serena. or amaurosis is an abolition of the sight without any 
apparent cause or built in the eyes. When it is owing to a decay 
or washing of the optic nerve, it .does not admit of a cure; hut 
when it proceeds from a compression of the nerves bv redundant hu¬ 
mours, these may in some measure be drained off, and the patient 
relieved. For this purpose, the body must,be kept open with the 
laxative mercurial pills. If the patient be young and of a sanguine 
habit he may be.bled. Cupping, with scarifications on (lie back 
part of the head, will likewise be of use, A running at the nose may 
be promoted by volatile salts, stimulating powders,, &c. But the 
most likely means for relieving the patient are issues or Blisters kept 
open for a long time on the back part of the head, behind the ears, 
or on the neck. I have known these restore sight, even after it had 
been for a considerable time lost. 

Should these fail, recourse must be had to mercurial salivatioj^c 
or what will perhaps answer the purpose better, twelve grains 
corrosive sublimate of mercury may be dissolved in an English pint 
and an half of brandy, and a table-spoonful of it. taken twice a-day, 
drinking half a pint of the decoction of sarsaparilla after it. 

A cataract is an Obstruction of the pupil, by the interposition of 
some opaque substance which either diminishes or totally extinguish* 
es the sight. It is generally an opacity of chrystaline humour. In 
a recent or beginning cataract, the same medicines are to be used 
.as in the gutta serena ; and they will sometimes succeed. But when 
this does not. happen, and the cataract becomes firm, it must be 
.couched, or rather extracted. I have resolved a recent cataract by 
giving the patient frequent purges with calomel, keeping a poultice 
of fresh hemlock constantly upon the eye, and a perpetual blister 
on the neck*. , , , .... ., .... . , - 

. Tiie myopia or short-sightedness, and the presbyopia or seeing only at 
too great a distance, are diiorders which depend on the original struc¬ 
ture or figure of the eye, therefore admit of no cure. The incon- 
.veniencies arising from; them may however be, in some measure, re¬ 
medied by the help of proper.glasses. Tlie former requires the 
Lid of a concave, and the latter of a convex glass. . , 

A strabismus, or squinting, depends upon an irregular contraction 
of the muscles of the eye from a spasm, palsy, epilepsy, or an ill 
habit. Children often contract this disorder by having their eyes 
unequally exposed to the light, i hey may likewise acquire it by 
imitation from a squintiug nurse or play-fellow, &c. - As tins disor¬ 
der can hardly be cured, parents ought to be careful to prevent it, 
.Almost the only thing which can be done for it is to contrive a mask, 
for the child to wear, which will only permit him to see in a straight 

direction. ... . . - - • 

Spots or specks on the eyes are generally the effect of inflammation,, 
and often appear after the sma!l-j>ox, the measles, or violent opr 
thalmias. They are very difficult to cure, and often occasion total 


4 In both thefe cafes electricity merits a trial. 


O o 


blindness. 


268 


■ O F T H E '.E'A’Tv. 

blindness. If the specks are soft and thin, they may sometimes %>e 
taken off bt gentle caustics and discuticntsj as vitriol, the juice t>f 
ielandine, &c. When these do not succeed*- a surgical operation 
- may be ‘tried: the success of .this however is always-very doubtful. 

The bloodshot eye may be occasioned by a stroke, a fall, retching, 
vomiting' violent coughing,I have frequently known it hap¬ 
pen to children in the hooping cough • Ti appears at first like a bit 
of scarlet, and is afterwards of a livid or blackish colour. This 
disorder generally goes off without medicine. Should it prove ob¬ 
stinate, the patient may be bled, and have his eyes fomented with a 
decoction of camphiy roots and cider dowers. A soft poultice may 
be applied to the. exes; and the body should be kept open by gen¬ 
tle purgatives.. 

The watery or weeping; eye Is generally occasioned by a relaxation 
or weakness of the glandular parts of that organ, 'These may be 
braced and strengthened by bathing the eye with brandy and water, 
Hungary'water, rose-wafer, with white vitriol dis-olved in it, &c. 
Medicines which make-a revulsion-are likewise proper ; as mild pur¬ 
gatives, perpetual blisters on themeck, bathing 'the feet frequently 
in lukewarm water, &ci 

When this disease proceeds from an obstruction of the lachrymal 
duct, or natural passage of the tears,'it is called djt-yiula tdchryniatis, 
and can only be cured by a surgical operation*. 

O F THE E A 11 . ; 

THE functions of the ear may be injured by wounds, ulcers, or 
any thing that hurts its fabric. The hearing may likewise be hurt 
by excessive noise ; violent colds in the head; fevers ; hard -wax, 
or other substances sticking in the cavity of the ear; lop great a de¬ 
gree of moisture or dryness of the ear. Deafness is very often the 
effect of old age, and is incidcnMo most people in the decline of life. 
Sometimes it is owing loan original fault in the structure or forma¬ 
tion of the ear itself. When Inis is the case, it admits of no cure ; 
and the unhappy person not only continues deaf, but generally like¬ 
wise. dumb,- for life f. 

When 

A weeping or watery eye is often the mark of a krcphulotis habit. 

f 'Though theie who have the misfortune to be born deaf are generally 
fuffered to continue dumb, and confbquently are in a great meafure loft to fo- 
ciety, yet nothing is more certain than that fuch perfons may be taught not 
only to read and write, but alTo to ft eakand to under'ftand what others 
fay to them. Teaching the dumb tc lpcak will appear paradoxical to thofc 
wire do not confider that the formation of founds is merely mechanical, and 
may be taught without the affiftance of the ear This is not only capable of 
demonftration, but it is a finally reduced to practice by the ingenious Mr. 
Thomas Braidwood of Edinburgh. This gentleman has, by the mere force 
of genius and application, brought the teaching of dumb perfons to fuch a 
degree of perfect ion, tha his ichclars are generally more forward in their edu¬ 
cation than thole of the fame age who er joy al' their Faculties. They not 
only read and write with the utmeilreadinefs, but likewise speak, and are ca¬ 
pable 




•269 


OF THE EAR. 

When deafness is,the effect of wounds or ulcers of the ears, or of 
old age, it is net easily removed. When it proceeds from cold of 
^he head, the patient must be careful to keep his head warm, espe¬ 
cially in the night ; he should likewise take some gentle purges, and 
keep his feet warm, and bathc-them frequently in lukewarm water 
at bed time. When deafness is the effect of a fever, it generally 
goes oft after the patient recovers. If it proceeds from dry wax 
sticking in the ears, it may be softened by dropping oil into them * 
afterwards they must be syringed with warm milk and vvater. 

It deafness proceeds from dryness of the ears, which may be 
known by looking into them, half an ounce of the oil of sweet al¬ 
monds, and the same quantity of liquid apodelcloch, or tincture of 
as afcetida, may be mixed together, and a few drops of it put into 
the ear every night at bed-time, stopping them afterwards with a, 
little wool or cotton. . Some instead of oil, put a small slice of the 
fat of bacon into each ear, which is said to answer the purpose very 
well. When the ears abound with moisture, it may be drained off' 
Ly an issue or seton, which should be made as near the affected parts 
as possible. 

Some, for the cure of deafness, recommend the gall of an eel„ 
mixed with spirit of wine, to be dropped into the ear; others, 
equal parts of Hungary-water, and spirit of lavender. Efmuller 
extols amber and musk ; and Brookes says, he has often known hard¬ 
ness of hearing cured, by putting a grain or two of musk into the 
car with cotton-wool.- But these and other applications must be 
varied according to the cause of the disorder - *. 

Though such applications may sometimes be of service, yet they 
much ofteuer fail, and frequently they do hurt. Neither the e \es 
nor ears ought to be tampered with ; they are tender organs, and 
require a very delicate touch.. For this reason* what we would 
chiefly recommend in deafness, is, to keep the head warm. From 
whatever cause the disorder proceeds, this is always proper ; and I 
have known more benefit from it alone, in the most obstinate cases of 
deafness, than from all the medicines I ever usedf. . 

tie of holding converfation with any perfon in the light. What a pity any of 
the human fpecies fhould remain m a ftateof idiotifm, who are capable of be¬ 
ing rendered as ufeful and intelligent as others ! We mention this not oniy 
from humanity to thofe who have the misfortune to be born deaf, but alfo m 
juft ice to Mr. Braidwood, whofe fuccess has far exceeded all former attempts 
this way ; and indeed it exceeds. , imagination itfelf fo far, that no perfon 
who has not feen and examined his pupils, can b'eliev«rwhaf they are capa¬ 
ble of.—As this gentleman, however willing, is only able to teach a few, 
and as the far greater part of thole who are born deaf cannot afford to attend 
him, it would be an a£t of great humanity, as well as of public utility to 
ere<Tt an academy for their benefit. 

* A gentleman on whofe veracity I can depend, told me, thataftcr ufmg 
many things to nopurpoie for an obftinate deafnefs, he was at laft adviied tg> 
put a few drops of his own urine warm into his ears every night and morn¬ 
ing, from which he received great benefit. It is probable that a folution of 
sax. ammoniac, in water, would produce the fame efie£t 

t An obstinate deafnefs. has been, cured by electricity. 


OF 



( 270 , ), 

O F THE TASTE AND SMELL. 

/ 1 ^ . 

THOUGH these series are not of so great importance toman it) 
a state of 'society, as the sight and hearing ; yet, as the loss of them ' 
jjfc attended with.' some inconveniency, they deserve our notice.— 
They are seldom to be restored wheji. lost ; which ought to make 
us very attentive to their preservation, by carefully avoiding whate¬ 
ver may m the least prove injurious to them. A s' there is a very 
great affinity between the organs of tasting and smelling, whatever 
hurts the one, generally'affects the other. 

Luxury is liighly injurious to these organs. When the nose and 
palate are frequently stimulated by fragrant and poignant dishes,'' 
they soon lose the power of distinguishing,tastes and odours with u 
any degree of nicety; Man', in a state of nature, may perhaps have 
these faculties as acute as any other animal. 

The sense of smelling may be diminished or destroyed by r diseases; 
as, the moisture, dryness, inflammation or suppuration of that mem¬ 
brane which lines the inside cf the nose,, commonly called the ol¬ 
factory membrane ; the compression of the nerves which supply this 
membrane; or some fault in the brain itself at their originl A defect 
or too great a degree of solidity, of the small spungy bones of the* 
upper jaw, the caverns of the forehead, &c. may likewise impair 
the sense of smelling. ; It may also be injured by a collection of foe¬ 
tid matter in those caverns, which keeps constantly exhaling from 
them. Fe.w'things are more hurtful to the sense of smelling, than 
taking great quantities of snuff. ' 

When the nose abounds with moisture, after gentle evacuations, 
such things as tend to take off irritation, and coagulate the thin 
sharp serum, may be applied ; as the oil of anise mixed with fine 
Hour; camphire dissolved in oil of almonds, &c The vapours of 
amber, frankincense, gum-mastic, ar.d benjamin, may likewise be 
received ilito the nose and mouth/ ' 

For moistening the mucus when it. is too dry, some recommend 
snuff made of the leaves of marjoram, mixed with the oil of amber, 
marjoram and aniseed ; or a Sternutatory'of calcined White vitriol ; 
twelve grains' of which, may be mixed with two ounces of marjo¬ 
ram-water, and filtrated. Fhe steam or vaponr of vinegar upon 
hot iron received up the no .trils is likewise of use for softening the 1 
jnusc'us, opening obstructions, 

If there is an ulcer in the nose, it ought to be dressed with some 
emollient ointment, to which if the pain be very great, a little lau 
clanum may be added. If it be a venereal ulcer, it is not to be cur¬ 
ed without mercury. In that case, the solution of the corrosive 
sublimate in brandy may be taken, as directed in the gutta sefena. 
The ulcer ought likewise to be Washed with it; and the fumes of 
cinnabgr may be received up the nostrils. s 

If there be reason to suspect that the nerves which supply the; 
organs of smelling are inert, or want stimulating, volatile salts," 
strong snuffs, and other things which occasion sneezing, may bo 

applied 



OF THE TOUCH, 


271 


applied to the nose. The forehead may likewise be anointed with 
balsam ot Peru, to which maybe added a little of the oil of amber. 

The taste may be diminished by crusts, filth, mucus, aphthae,, 
pellicles, warts, Zic. covering the tongue : it may be depraved by 
fa.ii Id of the saliva, \vhich, being discharged into the mouth, gives, 
the same sensations as if the food which the jnersdn tal.es had really 
a bad taste ; or it may be entirely destroyed by injuries done to 
the nerves 'of the tongue and palate. • Few things prove more hurt¬ 
ful either to the sense of tasting at smelling than obstinate colds, 
especially those which affect the head. 

When the taste is diminished by tilth, mucus, &e. the tongue 
ought to be scraped and frequently washed with a mixture of wa¬ 
ter, vinegar, and honey or some otlief detergent. When the sa¬ 
liva is vitiated, which -seldom happens unless in fevers or other 
diseases, the curing of the disorder is the cure of this symptom. 
To relieve it however in the mean time, the following things may 
be of use.; if there be a bitter taste, it may be taken away by vo¬ 
mits, purges, and Other things which evacuate bile. What is called 
a nidorous taste, arising from putrid humours, is corrected by the 
juice of citrons, oranges, and. other acids. A salt taste u» cured by 
plentiful dilution with watery liquors. An acid taste is destroyed 
by absorbents, and uJkalin salts, as powder of oyster shells, salt ot 
wormwood, &c. 

When the sensibility of the nerves which supply the organs of 
taste is diminished, the chewing of horse-radish, or other stimulat¬ 
ing substances, will help to recover it. 


O F T. II E TOUC II. 

j 

THE sense of touching may be hurt by any thing that obstructs 
tlie nervous influence, or prevents its being regularly conveyed to 
the organs of touching ; as; pressure, extreme cold, &c. It may 
likewise be hurt by too great a degree of sensibility, when the nerve 
is not sufficieritly covered by the cuticle, or scarf-skin, or where 
there is too great a tension ot it, or it" is too delicate. Whatever 
disorders the functions of the brain and nerves, hurts the sense of 
touching. Hence it appeats to proceed from the same general causes 
as palsy and apoplexy,, and requir es nearly the, same method of treat¬ 
ment. * * 

; In a stupor , or defect of touching, which arises from an obstruc¬ 
tion of the cutaneous nerves, the patient must fir -1 be purged ; af¬ 
terwards such medicines as excite the action of the nerved o-r stimu¬ 
late the sy stem, may be used.' For this purpose, the* spirit of harts¬ 
horn, sal volatile oleosum, horse-radish, &c.'may betaken inwardly ; 
the disordered parts, at the same time, be frequently rubbed with 
fresh nettles or spirit of sal ammoniac .' Blistering-plasters and sina¬ 
pisms applied to the parts will likewise be of use, as also warm bath¬ 
ing, especially in the natural hot bath*. 


CHAP, 


!■ 




f 2 ~ 2 : 


.... ' 


1 - 


C II A IV XLV. 

OF A'SCHIRRUS AND GANCERI 



SGHIRlvUS is a hart! indolent tumour usually seated in some a 

of the grands; as the breasts, the arm-pits, &c. If the tu- - 

mour become; large, unequal, of a. livid, blackish, or leaden colour, 
and is attended with-violent pain, it gels the name of an occult can- ■ 
cer. When the skin is broken and a sanies or ichorous matter of an 

abominable foetid smell is discharged from the sore, it is called an 

open or ulcerated cancerPersons after the age of forty-five, par¬ 
ticularly women, and those who lead an. indolent sedentary life, arc 
most subject to this disease. '. 

CAUSES-This disease is often owing to suppressed evacua¬ 

tions; hence it proves so frequently fatal to women of a gross habit, 
particularly old maids and widows, about the time when the men¬ 
strual flux ceases. It may likewise be occasioned bx ; excessive fear, 
grief, anger, religious melancholy, or any of the depressing passi¬ 
ons. Hence the unfortunate^ the- choleric, and those persons who 
devote themselves torn religions life in convents or monasteries, are 
often afflicted with it. It may also be occasioned by the long continu¬ 
ed use of food that is too hard of digestion, or of an acrid nature; bv 
barrenness; celibacy; indolence: cold; blows; friction; pressure; 
or the like. Women often suffer from, the last of these by means of 
their stays, which squeeze and compress their breast so as to occasion 
great mischief. Sometimes the disease is owing to an hereditary 
deposition. 

SYMPTOMS.-This disorder seems often very trifling at the ■ 

"beginning, A hard tumour about the size of a haz!e-nuf, or perhaps . 
smaller, is generally the first symptom. This will often continue for 
v. Jong time without seeming to increase or giving the patient great 
uneasiness ; but if the constitution be hurt, or the tumeur irritated 
by pressure or improper treatment of any kind, it begins to extend 
itself towards the neighbouring parts by pushing out a kind 
of roots or limbs. It then gets the name of cancer , from,a fancied ’ 
resemblance between these limbs and the claws of a crab. The 
< oluur of the skin begins to change, which is first red, afterwards 
purple, then bluish, livid, and at last black. The patient com¬ 
plains of heat, with a burning, knawing, shooting pain- The tu¬ 
mour is very hard, rough, and unequal, with a protuberance or 
rising in the middle; its size increases daily, anc the neighbouring 
veins become thick, knotty, and of a blackish colour. 

The skin at length gives way, and a thin sharp ichor begins to 
flow, which corrodes the neighbouring parts till it forms a large un¬ 
sightly ulcer. More occult cancers arise, and communicate with 
the neighbouring glands. The pain and stench become intolerable; 
the appetite fails ;the strength is exhausted by a continual hectic fe¬ 
ver; at last a violent haemorrhage, or discharge of blood, from some 
part of the body, with fainting-:, or convulsion fits, generally put ant 
end to the miserable patient's life. REGIMEN^ 









'OF A SCHIRRUS AND CANCER. 


■O'*” ’r» 
1 i v> 


ff EGIMEN.--The diet ought to be light, but nourishing. All 

"•~r»lKT!g liquors, and high seasoned or salted provisions, are to be 
avoided. The patient may lake as much exercise as he can easily 
bear; and should use every method to divert thought, and .amuse 
his fancy. All kinds of external injury are carefully io be guarded 
against, particularly of the affected pait, which ought to be Attend¬ 
ed from all pressure, and even from the external air, by covering 
it with fur or soft flannel. 

MEDICINE.-This is one-of those diseases for which no cer- 

tain remedy is yet known. Its progress however may sometimes be 
xatarded, and some of its most disagreeable symptoms mitigated, by 
proper applications. One misfortinuc attending the dislfise is, that 
the unhappy patient often conceals ii too long Were proper means 
used in due time, a cancer might often be cured ; but after the dis¬ 
order lias arrived at a certain height, it generally sets all medicine at 
defiance. 

When .a scirrhous tumour is first discovered, the patient oerfft 
~!0 observe a proper regimen, and -to take twice of thrice a-week 
a dose of the common purging mercurial pill. Some blood may also 
be let, and the part affected may be gently rubbed twice a-day with 
a little of the mercurial ointment, and kept warm with furor flannel.’ 
The food must be light, and an Ehglidnpint of the decoction of woods 
or sarsaparilla may he drank daily. I have sometimes disc ussed 
hard tumours, which had the appearance of beginning cancers, by a 
course of this kind. 

Should the, tumour however not yield to this treatment, hut, on 
the contrary, become larger and harder, it will be proper to extir¬ 
pate it, either by the knife or c austic. Indeed, whenever this can 
be done with safety/ the sooner it is done the better. It can answer 
no purpose to extirpate a cancer after the constitution is ruined, c r 
the whole mass of humours corrupted by it. This, however, is the* 
common way, which makes the operation so seldom succeed. Few 
people will submit to the extirpation till death stares them in (he 
face ; whereas, if it were done early, thq patient's life w ould not be en¬ 
dangered by r the operation, and it would generally prove a radical 


cure. 


When the cancer is so situated that it cannot be cat off, or if the 
patient will not submit to the operation, such medicines as will 
mitigate or relieve the most urgent symptoms may boused. Dr. 
Home says, that half a grain of the corrosive sublimate of mercury, 
dissolved in a proper quantity of brandy, and taken night and morn¬ 
ing, will often be of service in cancers of the lace and nose. He 
likewise recommends an infusion of the solanam, or night-sh&de, in 
cmk ers cf the breasts. 

But the medicine most in repute at present for this disease is hem¬ 
lock. Dr. Stork, physician at Vienna, has of late recommended 
the extract of this plant as very efficacious in cancers of every kind. 
The Doctor says, he has given some hundred weights of it without 
ever hurting any body, and often with manifest advantage. He ad¬ 
vises the patient however to begin with very small doses, as two or 
three grains, and to increase the dose gradually till some good -effect 


U v 




"274 OF A SCHIRRUS AND CANCER. 


be perceived, and there to r-est without further increase. . From 
two or three grains at first, the Doctor says he lias increased the dose 
to two, three, or . four drachms ..a-day,. and finds• that such 
doses may be continued for several weeks without any bad conse¬ 
quences. . . , . ,:. . • .. „ 

The regimen which the Doctor recommends during the use of 
s the medicine, is to avoid farinaceous substances not fermented, and 
too acrid aromatics. . He says, good wine will, not be hurtful to 
those, who are accustomed to it, nor a moderate, u-e of acids; and 
adds, that the patient should live in a pure tree air, and keep his 
mind as ; quiet and cheerful as possible. N ■. 

The Doctor does not pretend to fix the time in which a cancer 
may be resolved By the use of hemlock, but says he has given it for 
above.two years in large clozes without any apparent benefit; ne¬ 
vertheless, the pacieut iris, been cured by. persisting in the use of it 
for bad a year longer. This is at least encouragement to give it a 
.£w trial. Though we are fV from thinking the hemlock merits 
those extravagant encomiums which the Doctor has bestowed upon 
it, yet, in a disease which has so. long baffled the boasted powers 
cf medicine, we think It ought always to be tried* 

. The powder of hemlock is by. some preferred to the extract 
They are both made of the fresh leaves* and may be used nearly in 
•the same marmeL Dr Nicholson of Berwick, says, .he gradually 
increased the dose of the powder from a few grains ,to half a drachm, 
and gave bear four drachms of it in the day with remarkably good 
effects. The hemlock may also be used externally either as a poul¬ 
tice or fomentation. The sore may. likewise be kepi clean by in¬ 
jecting cfaily a strong decoction of the tops and leaves into. it. . ... 

Few things contribute more to the healing of foul sordid ulcers 
c; star kind than keeping them thoroughly clean. This ought never 
to be neglected. The best application for this purpose seems.10 be 
the canot poultice. The iobt of the common carrot may be grated, 
and moistened with as much water as will bring it to the consistence 
of a poultice or cataplasm. This must be applied to the sore, and 
renewed twice a-day. It generally cleans the sore; eases the pain, 
and takes away the disagreeable smell, which are objects of no small 
imporfroittie. in such a dread lilt disorder*. . 

Wort, or an infusion of malt, has been recommended not only 
as a proper drink, but as b powerful medicine in this disease. It must 
be frequently made ficsh, and the patient may take it at pleasure. 
Two, three, or even folir English pints of it may be drank every 
day for a considerable time. No benefit can be expected from any 
medicine in this disease, unless it be persisted in for a long time. 
It is; of too obstinate a nature to be soon removed ; and, when >t ad¬ 
mits of a c ure at all; it must be brought about by inducing an al¬ 
most total change of the habit, which must always be a work of 
time. Setoiis or issues in the neighbourhood of the cancer have 
sometimes good effectsj\ When 

'* London Medical Eflays. 

f In a dancer which had let- all medicines, and even forgery, at defiance, 

T lately law remarkable effects from an obilinate peafevevance in a cvufTe Cf 

antifepdcv 




G F 


POIS © N S. -2-5 

When all other medicines fail, recourse must be had lo opium, as 
a kind of solace. This will not indeed cure the disease, but it will 
&ase the patient’s agony, and render life more tolerable while it con¬ 
tinues. 

To avoid this dreadful disorder, people ought to use wholesome 
Food; to take suiScientexerctse in theopen air; to be as easy and cheer¬ 
ful as possible ; and carefully to guard against ali blows, bruises and 
every kind of pressure upon the breasts, or other glandular parts". 


CHAP. XLVI. 

OF P O I S O N S. 

V VERY person ought, in .some measure, to be acquainted with 
j the nature and cure of poisons. They are generally taken 
unawares, and their effects are often so sudden and violent, as not 
to admit of delay, orjjllovv time to procure the assistance of physi¬ 
cians. Happily indeed no great degree of medical knowledge is 
here necessary ; the remedies for most poisons being generality at 
hand, or easily obtained, and nothing bat common prudence need¬ 
ful in the application of them. 

The vulgar notion that every poison is cured by some counter 
poison, as a specific, has done much hurt. People believe they can 
do nothing for the patient, unless they know the particular antidote 
to that kind of poison which he has taken. Whereas the cure of all 
poisons taken into the stomach, without exception, depends chiefly 
on discharging them as soo.n as possible. 

There is no case wherein the indications of cure are more obvi- 
ons. Poison is seldom long in the stomach before it occasions sick¬ 
ness, with an inclination to vomit. This shews plainly what ought 
to be done. Indeed common sense dictates to every one, that, if 
any thing has been taken into the stomach which endangers life, it 

antiseptics. I ordered the deep ulcers to he wafted to the bottom by means of 
a fyringe, twice or thrice a-day, either with an infufion of the bark, ora de¬ 
coction of carrot, and that the patient ftould take four pr five times a-day, a 
glafs of good wine, with half a drachm of the beft. powdered bark in it. The 
fores, after being wafted, were likewise fprinkled with the lame powder. 
When the patient began thiscourfe, her death was daily expected. She con¬ 
tinued it for above two years with manifeft advantage ; but being told by an 
eminent furgeon, that the bark would not cure a cancer, and that the fores 
ought not to be wafted, {he discontinued the practice, and died in a few weeks. 
This ccurfe was not expected to cure the cancer, but to prolong the patient’s 
■ iile, which it evidently did almoit to a miracle. 

* As hemlock is the principal medicine recommended in thisdiseafe, we 
would have given feme directions for the gathering and preparing of that 
plant ; but as its different preparations are now kept,in the {hops, we think it 
much fafer for people to get them. - there,-with proper directions for ulir.g 
them. 1 

P p ought 




270 


O .1- 


I? o I s o :;n -'S. 


ought immediately lb be discharged. Were this duly regarded, the 
clanger arising from poisons might generally be avoided. The T '2ne- 
thud of prevention is obvious, and the means are-in the hands of 
every one. 

We shall not take up the reader’s time with a detail of the ridicu¬ 
lous notions which -have ‘prevailed among ignorant’peopledn different 
ages with regard to poisons; neither shall we .mention the boasted 
antidotes, which have been recommended ei(her- for preventing or 
obviating their effects; but shall content ourselves with pointing out 
the poisons most common in this country, and the means of avoiding 
their dangerous consequences, 

•Poisons either belong to the-mineral,'-the vegetable; or the ani¬ 
mal kingdom. 

Mineral poisons are commonly of an acrid or corrosive quality ; as 
arsenic, cobalt, the corrosive sublimate of mercurv, See. 

Those of the vegetable kind are generally of a narcotic or stupe- 
factive quality ; a? poppy, diem lock, iienbanc, berrie: of the deadly 
night-shade, Szr. 

Poisonous animals communicate Iheir-irileclion.either by the bite 
or sting, This poison is very different from the former, and only 
produces its effects whet) received into the body by.a- wound. 

MINERAL POISONS.-Arsenic is the most common of 

this class ; and, as the whole of them are pretty similar both in their 


effects and method of cure, what is said with respect toil will bc-a?>- 
plicable to every other species of corrosive poison. 

When a person has taken arsenic, he soon perceives a burning 
heat, and a violent pricking pain in his stomach and bowels, with 
an intolerable thirst, and. an inclination to vomit. The tongue and 
throat feel rough and dry ; and, if proper means be not -soon admi¬ 
nistered, the patient is seized with.great anxiety, hitx uping, faint- 
ings, and coldness of the extremities. To these .succeed black vo¬ 
mits, foetid stools, with a mortification of the stomach and intestines, 
which are the immediate forerunners of death. 

On the first appearance of these sy mptoms the patient should 
drink large quantities of’ new milk and sallad oil tiii he vomits ; or 
he may drink -warm water mixed with oil. 'Fat.broth* are likewise 
proper, provided they can begot ready in time. Where no oil is to 
be had, freslV’butter may be meited and .mixed with the milk or wa¬ 
ter. These things are to be drank as long-as the inclination to vomit 
continues. Some have drank eight or ten English quarts before 
the vomiting cea.ed , and it is never safe to leave off drinking while 
one particle of the poison remains in the stomach. 

These oily or fat substances not only provoke vomiting, 'but like¬ 
wise blunt the acrimony of the poison, and prevent its wounding 
the bowels; bat if Urey should not make the person vomit, half a 
drachm or two scruples of the powder of ipecacuanha must be gi¬ 
ven, or a few spoonfuls of the oxymeI or vinegar-of squills may* 
be mixed with the water .which he drinks. Vomiting may likewise 
be excited by tickling the inside of the throat v\ i h a leather. Should 
these methods however fail, half a drachm of white viiiioj, or five or 
six grains of emetic tartar, mud be administered. 

If 



O F P O I S O N S. 


27T 


If tormenting pains are felt in the lower- belly, and there in rea¬ 
son to fear that the poison has got clown to the intestines, clyster, 
of milk and oil must be very frequently thrown up ; and the patient 
must drink emollient decoctions of barley, oat-meal, marsh-mallows, 
and such like. He must likewise take an infusion of senna and man¬ 
na, a solution of Glaubers salts or some other purgative. 

After the poison has been evacuated, the patient ought for some* 
time, to live upon such things as are of a healing and cooling qua¬ 
lity; to abstain from flesh and all strong liquors, and to live upon 
milk, broth, gruel, light puddings, and other spoon meats of ea®? 
digestion. His- drink should be barley-water, linseeci-tea, or infu¬ 
sions of any of the w r ild mucilaginous vegetables. . 

VEGETABLE POISONS, besides heat and pain of the sto¬ 
mach, commonly occasion some degree of giddiness, and often a 
kind of stupidity or folly. Persons who have taken these poisons 
must be treated in the same manner as*for the mineral or corrosive. 

Though the vegetable poisons, when allowed to remain in the 
stomach, often prove fatal; yet the danger is generally over as soon 
as they are discharged. Not being of such a caustic or corrosive 
nature, they are less apt to wound or inflame the bowels than mine¬ 
ral substances: no time, however* ough,t to be lost in having them 
discharged. 

Opium, being frequently taken by mistake, merits particular at¬ 
tention. It is used as a medicine both in a solid and liquid form, 
which latter commonly goes by the name of laudanum. It is in¬ 
deed a valuable medicine when taken in proper quantity ; but as an 
over-dose proves a strong poison, we shall point out> its common . 
effects, togellrer with the method of cure. . 

An over-dose of opium generally occasions great - drowsiness, with 
stupor and other apoplectic symptoms. Sometimes the person has 
so great an inclination to sleep, that it ts almost- impossible to keep 
him awake. Every method must however be tried for this purpose* 
He should be tossed, shaked and moved about; Sharp bhstering- 
plasters should be applied to his legs or arms* and stimulating medi¬ 
cines,-as salts of hartshorn, &c. held under his nose.v It. will abo 
be proper to let blood. At the same time every method must he 
taken to make him discharge the poison, This may be done in the 
manner directed above, viz. by the use of strong vomits, drinking 
plenty of warm water with oil, &e. 

Mead, besides vomits, in this case* recommends acid medicines 
with lixivial salts. He says, that he has often given salt of worm- - 
wood mixed with juice of* lemon in repeated dozes with great sue- 
cess. " 

If the body should remain weak and languid after the poison has 
been extracted, nourishing diet and cordials will be proper ; but 
when there is reason to fear that the stomach or bowels are inflamed,, 
the greatest circumspection is necessary both with regard to food and. 
medicine. 





( 278 ) 

OF THE BITES OF POISONOUS ANIMALS. 

WE shall begin with the bite of a mad dog, as it is both the 
:$post common and dangerous animal poison in this country. 

The creatures naturally liable to contract this disease are, as far 
as we yet know, all of the dog kind, riz. foxes, dogs, and wolves, 
j^ence it is called the rabies ccaiiria , or dog-madness. Of the last 
we have none in this island ; and it so seldom happens that any per¬ 
son is bit by the first, that they scarce deserve to be taken notice 
of ff such a thing should happen, the method of treatment is pre¬ 
cisely th§ same as for the bite of a mad dog. 

The symptoms of madness in_ a clog are as follow: At first lie 
look's dull, shews an aversion to food and Company : he does not 
bark as usual, but seems to murmur, is peevish, and apt to bite 
strangers : his ears and fail droop more tiiaii usual, and he appears 
drowsy: afterwards he begins to loll out his tongue, and froth 
at the mou*h, his eye seeming heavy and watery: he now, if not 
confined,-takes off, runs panting along with a kind of dejected air, 
and endeavours to bite every one he meets. Other dogs are said 
to fly from him. Some think this a certain sign of madness, sup¬ 
posing that thev know him by the smell; but it is not to be depend¬ 
ed on. If he escapes being killed, he seldom runs above two or 
three days, till he dies exhausted with heat, hunger and fatigue. 

This disease is most frequent after long, dry, hot seasons ; and 
such dogs as live upon putrid stinking carrion, without having 
enough of fresh water, are most liable to if. 

When any person has been bit by a dog, the strictest inquiry 
ought to be made whether the animal was really mad. Many disa¬ 
greeable consequences arise from neglecting so ascertain this point, 
Some people have lived in continual anxiety for many years, becaue 
they had been bit by a dog which they believed to be mad; but, as 
be had been killed on the spot, it was impossible to ascertain the fact. 
This should induce us, instead of killing a dog the moment he has 
bit any person, to do all in our power to keep him alive, at least 
till we be certain whether he be mad or not. 

Many circumstances may contribute to make people imagine a dog 
mad. He loses his master, runs about in quest of him, is set upon 
by other clogs, and perhaps by men. The creature, thus frightened, 
beat and abused* looks wild, and lolls out ids tongue as he runs 
along. Imriiediately a crowd is after him; while he, finding him¬ 
self closely pursued, and taking every one he meets for an enemy, 
naturally attempts to bite him rn self-defence. He soon : gets knock¬ 
ed on the head, and it passes currently that he was mad, as it is then 
impossible to prove the contrary. 

This being the true history of, by far, the greater part of those 
dogs which pass for mad, is it any wonder that numberless whimsi¬ 
cal medicines have been extolled for preventing the effects of their 
bite ? This readily accounts for the great variety of infallible reme¬ 
dy for the bite of a mad dog, which are to be* met with in almost 

every 


279 


BiTES OF POISONOUS ANIMALS. 

every 1 family. Though' not one in a thousand has any claim to merit, 
yet they are all supported by numberless vouchers. No wonder 
that imaginary diseases should be cured by imaginary remedies. In 
this way, credulous people first impose upon themselves, and then 
deceive others. The same medicines which was* supposed to pre¬ 
vent the efiects ot the bite, when the dog was not mad, is recom¬ 
mended to a person who has had the misfortune to be bit by a dog 
that was really mad.- He takes it, trusts to-it,- and is undone. 

To these mistakes we must impute the frequent ill success of the 
medicines used for preventing the efiects of the bite of a mad dog. 
It is not owing so much to a defect in medicine, as to wrong ap¬ 
plications. I am persuaded, ifi proper medicines were administer¬ 
ed immediately after the bite is received, and continued for a suffi¬ 
cient length of time, we should not lose one in a thousand of those 
who have the misfortune to, be bit by a mad dog. 

This poison is generally, communicated by a wound, which never¬ 
theless heals as soon as a common wound : but afterwards it begins 
to feel painful/ and as the pa ; n spreads towards the neighbouring 
parts, the person becomes heavy and listless. His sleep is unquiet 
with frightful dreams; he sighs, looks dull, and loves solitude. 
These are the forerunners, or rather the first symptoms of that dread¬ 
ful disease occasioned by the bite, of a mad dog. But as we do not 
propose to treat fully of the disease, itself, but to point out the me¬ 
thod of preventing it, we shall not take up time in shewing its pro¬ 
gress from its first invasion to the commonly fatal end. 

The common notion, that this poison may lie in the body for ma¬ 
ny years, and afterwards prove fatal, is both hurtful and ridiculous. 
It must rendtr such persons as have had the misfortune to he bit ve¬ 
ry unhappy, and can have no good efiects. If the person takes 
proper medicines for forty days after the time of his being bit, and 
feels no symptom of the. ciisea.-e, there is reason to believe.him out 
o.f danger. 

The medicines recommended for preventing the effects of the 
Bite of a mad dog, are chiefly such as promote the. different secre¬ 
tions, and antispasmodics. 

Dr. Mead recommends a preventive medicine, which he says he 
never knew fail, though in the space of thirty years lie had used it 
», thousand times. 

The Doctor's prescription is as follows: 

“ Take ask-coloured ground liver-wort, cleaned, dried, and pow¬ 
dered, half an *unce ; of black pepper powdered, a quarter ot an 
ounce. Mix these well together, and divide the powder into four 
dozes ; one of which must be taken every morning fasting, for four 
mornings successively, in half an English pint of cows milk warm. 

<( After these four dozes are taken, the. patient must go into the 
cold bath, or a cold spring or river, every morning fasting, for a 
month; he must be dipped all over, but not stay in (with his head 
above water) longer than half a minute, if the water be very coid. 
Alter this he must go in three times a-week lor a fortnight longer. 


The 


230 BITES OF POISONOUS ANIMALS. 

“ The person must be bled before he begins to use the medi-. 
cine 

We shalfnext meittion the famous East-India specific as it is cal-. 
Jed. This medicine is composed of cinnabar and musk. It is esteem¬ 
ed a great aruispasmodic; and, by many, extolled as an infallible re¬ 
medy for preventing the cfiycts of the bite of a mad dog. 

* c Take ndtive and factitious cinnabar, of each twenty four grains, - 
musk sixteen grains. Let these be made into a fine powder, and 5 
taken in a glass of arrack or brandy.” 

This single dose is'said to secure the' person for thirty days, at the 
end of which it must be repeated; but if he has any symptoms of the 
disease, it must be repeated in three hours. 

The following is likewise reckoned a good anfispasmodic medi¬ 
cine : 

“ Take of Virginian snake-root in powder, half a drachm, gum 
a sa foetid A twelve grains, gum camphire seven grains; make these 
into a bolus with a little syrup of saffron.” 

Camp idle may also be given in the following manner ? ■ 

“ Take purified nitre half an ounce, Viginian snake-root in pow¬ 
der two drachms, camphire one drachm ; rub them together in a ■ 
mortar, and divide the whole into ten doses.” 

Mercury is likewise recommended as of great efficacy, both in the 
prevention and cure of this kind of madness. When used as a pre¬ 
ventive, it will be sufficient to rub daily a drachm of the ointment 
into the parts about the wound. 

Vinegar is likewise' of considerable service, and should be taken 
freely, either in the patient's food or drink. 

These are the principal medicines recommended for preventing 
the effects of the bite of airiad dov. We would not however advise 

O 

people to trust to any one of them ; but from a proper combination 
mf their different powers, there is the greatest reason to hope for 

success. 

The great error in the use of these medicines, lies in not taking * 
them for a sufficient length of time. They are used more like charms, 
than medicines intended to province any change in the body. To 
this, and not to the insufficiency of the medicines, we must impute • 
their frequent want of success. 

Dr. Mead says, that the virtue of this medicine consists in pro-.- 
inoting urine. But how a poison should be expelled by urine, with 
only three or four doses of any medicine, however powerful, if i-s • 
mot easy to conceive. More time is certainly necessary, even though 
the medicine were more powerful than that which the Doctor pre¬ 
scribes. 

The East-India specific is still more exceptionable on this ac¬ 
count. 

* Though we give this prefertpdon on the credit of Dr. Mead, yet we 
would not advile any perfon, who has reafon to believe that he has been 
bit bv a dog which ,vas really mad, to truft to it alone. Mead was. an able 
phyfician, but he .eem; to have been no great philofopher, and was lome- 
times the dupe of his own credulity. 


As 


BITES OF POISONOUS ANIMALS. 28.1 

As Ihese and most other medicines taken singly, have frequently 
ooen foul cl to fail, we shall recommend the following course : ^ 

l a p.-ison IS bit in a ileshy part, where (iiere is no hazard of 
hurting any large blood-vessel, the .parts adjacent to the wound may 
• IC cut away. But if this be not done soon after the bite has been 
■ 1 eceived, it will be better to omit it. * 

The wound may be dressed with salt and water, ora pickle made 
o vinegar and salt, and at ter wards dressed twice a-day with vellcw 
oasiijcon, mixed with red precipitate of mercury. 

1 lie patient should begin to use either Dr. Mead’s med'cine, or 
some of the others mentioned above. If he takes Mead’s medicine, 
ie may use it-as the Doctor directs for four days successively. Let 
nm then omit it for two or three days, *and again repeat the -same 
number of doses-as before. 

During this course, he must rub into tire parts about (lie wound, 

' ally, one drachm of the mercurial ointment. This may be done 
> io t ten or twelve days at least. 

When this course is over, lie may take a purge or two, and wait 
a lew days till the effect of the mercury be gone off. He must then 
->egin to use the cold bafh, info which he may go every morning for 
nve or six weeks. *If he should feel cold and chilly for a long time 
after coming out of' the cold bath, it will be better to use a tepid 
' one, or to have the water a little warmed. 

; I n the mean time we would.advise him not to leave off all internal 
medicines, but to take either one of the boluses of snake-root, asa- 
Kitida, and camphiie ; or one of the powders of nitre, earnphire, 
and snake-root, twice a-day. These may be used during the whole 
.time he is bathing. 

During the use of the mercurial ointment, the patient mast keep 
within doors, and take nothing cold. 

, -A proper regimen must be observed throughout the whole course, 

*1 he patient should abstain from flesh, and all salted and high-season¬ 
ed provisions. He must avoid stiong liquors, and live .mostly upon 
a light and rather spare diet. His mind should be kept as easy and 
cheerful as possible, and all excessive heat and violent passions a- 
t oided with the utmost care. 

I have never seen this course of medicine, with proper regimen, 
fail to prevent the hydrophobia, and cannot help again observing, 
that the want of success - must generally be owing either lo the ap¬ 
plication of improper medicines, or not using-proper ones for a suf¬ 
ficient length of time. 

Mankind are extremely fond of every thing that promises a sudden, 
or miraculous cure. By trusting to these they often lose their lives, 
when a regular course of medicine would have rendered them abso¬ 
lutely safe. This holds remarkably in the, present case. Numbers 
of people, for example, believe if they.or their cattle were once 
dipped in the sea, it is sufficient; as if the salt water were a charm 
against the effects of the bite. This, and such like whims, have 
proved fatal to many. 

vit is. a common notion, if a person be bit by a dog which is not 

X mad, 


.'82 


BITES (OF POISONOUS ANIMALS, 

iad, that, if lie should go mad afterwards, the person would !>e 
ffecle^l with the disorder at the same time; but this notion S is too 
idiculous to deserve -a -serious consideration. It is a good rule, 
owever, to. avoid dogs as much as possible, as the disease is often 
ipon them for spniefime before its violent symptoms appear. The 
iydrophobia has been occasioned by the bite of a dog w hich shew¬ 
ed no otiier symptoms of the disease but iistlessness and a sullen 
disposition. 

Though we do not mean to treat fully of the cure of the hydro¬ 
phobia, yet wc.are far from reckoning it incurable. The notion 
that tiiis disease could not be cured, lias been productive of the 
most horrid consequences. If was usual either to abandon the un¬ 
happy persons, as soon as they were seized with the disease, to 
their fate, to bleed them to death, or to suffocate them between ma¬ 
trasses or feather-beds, &c. This conduct certainly deserved the se¬ 
verest punishment i We hope, for the honour of human nature, 
it will neveragain be.heard of. 

I have never had an opportunity of treating this, disease, and 
therefore can say nothing of ii f rom niy-own experience ; but the 
learned Dr.Tissol says, it mav be cured in the following manner: 

1. The patient must be bled to a considerable quantity, and 
this may be repeated twice, or thrice, or even 3 fourth time, if 
circumstances require it. 

2. The patient should be put, if possible, into a warm bath ; 
and .this should be used twice a-day. 

3. He should every day receive two, or even three emollient 

.clvsters. 

«/ 

4. The wound, and the parts adjoining to it, should be rubbed 
with the mercurial ointment twice a-day. 

b. The whole limb which contains the wound shouldbe rubbed 
with od, and be wrapped up in an oily flannel. 

6*. Every three hours a dose of Cob’s powder should be taken 
in a cup or the infusion of lime-tree and elder-flowers. This pow¬ 
der is made, by rubbing together in a mortar. to a very fine powder 
of native and factitious cinnabar, each twenty-four grains ; of musk, 
sixteen grains.* 

7. The following bolus is to be given every night, and to be re¬ 
peated in the morning, if the patient is not easy, washing it down 
with the infusion mentioned above : Take one drachm of Virginian 
snake-root in powder; of cam phi re and as'afcfitida, ten grains each; 
of opium, one grain; and, with a sufficient quantity of.conserve, 
or robot elder, make a bolus. 

8. If there be a great nausea at the stomach, with a bitterness 
in the mouth, thirty-five or forty grains of ipecacuanha, in powder, 
may be taken for a vomit. 

* The Ormskirk medicine, as it is called, feems to me to confift chief¬ 
ly of cinnabar. Though it. is .fa id to be infallible, as a-preventive; yeti 
would not advife any one to trull to it alone. Indeed it is ordered to be 
taken in a manner which gives it more the appearance of a charm than ojF 
a medicine. Surely if a medicine is to produce any change in,the bodv, it 
mull be taken for feme confidefable time, and in fufiiciem quantity. 

N The 


Bites of poisonous animals, do 


9. The patient’s food, if .he takes any, must be light • as panado, 
* ? oups made of farinaceous or mealy vegetables, Szc. 

10. It the patient should long conti; ue weak, and subject to ter- 
' 'ors, he may take half a drachm of the Peruvian bark thrice a-<.ay. 

The nex( poisonous animal which We shall mention is the VIPTR. 
The grease of this animal rubbed into the wound, is said to.cure ti,e 
bite. Though that is all the viper-catchers generally do when hi:, 
we should not think it sufficient for the bite of an enraged viper. It 
would surely be more safe to have the wound well sucked*, and af¬ 
terwards rubbed with warm salad-oil. A poultice of Bread and 
nnIk, softened with salad oil, should likewise be applied the 
wound ; and the patient ought to drink freely of vicegai-w hey, or 
water-gruel with vinegar in it, to make him sweat. Vinegar is one 
o 1 (he best medicines which can be used in any kind of poison, and 
ought to be taken very liberally. If the patient He sick he may lake 
a vonnf. This course will lie sufficient to cure the bile of any of 
the poisonous animals of this country. 

With regard to poisonous insects, as the bee, the wWp, the hor- 
noi, 8-zc. their stings are seldom attended yvith danger, unless when 
a person happens to be stung by a great number of them at the same 
time;' in which case something should be done to .abate the inflam¬ 
mation and swelling. Some, for this purpose, apply honey* others 
lay pounded parsley to the part. A mixture of vinegar and Vt n ce 
treacle is likewise recommended; but I have ahvays found rubbing 
the part with warm salad oil succeed very vveil. Indeed, when the 
slings are so numerous as to endanger the patient’s life, which is 
sometimes the case, he must not only have oily poultices, applied to 
the part, but should likewise be bied,and take some cooling medi¬ 
cines, as nitre, or cream of tartar, and should drink pjem.ifu!Jy of 
diluting liquors. .... 

It is the happiness of this island to have very few poisonous ani¬ 
mals, and those which We have are by no means or the most viru¬ 
lent kind. Nine-tenths of the effects attributed to poison-or venom 
in this country are really other diseases, and proceed from ’quite dif¬ 
ferent causes. , . 

We cannot however make ihc same observation With regard to 
"po sonous vegetables. The.sfe abound every where, and prove often 
fatal to the ignorant and unwary. This indeed is chiefly owing- to 
carelessness. Children ought early lo be cautioned against eating 
any kind of fruit, roots, or berries, which they do not know ; ana 
till poisonous plants to which they can have access, ought, as far as 

* The practice c'f fucking-out poifdns is very ancient; and indeed no¬ 
thing can be move rational. W-hen. the bite cannot be cut out, this isr the 
moft likely way for extracting the poijfon. There can be lio danger in per¬ 
forming this office, as the potion does no harm unlefs it be. taken into the bo¬ 
dy bv a wound. The perfoji who fucks the wound, ought however to wafli 
his m iurh frequently with falad-oil, which will tenure him from ,t yeti the 


* 


eait tncor.veniencv. 


The Psvi.Li in Africa, and the MAgsi in Italy, wmc 

Vv £ 


iimeUnrcuringtbe bites of poi fouciis animals by luckii g lie wound; and v 
a.c told, that the Indians in North-America lira: he the Tune at this way 

Q q 


UU'S'.O- 


''84 . BITES OF POISONOUS ANIMATES. 


>cssible, to be destroyed. This would not be so didicult a task as 
erne people imagine. 

Poisonous plants have no doubt their use, and they ought to he 
•opagated in proper places; but, as they often prove destructive 
o cattie, they should be rooted out of all pasture-grounds. They 
,u$rht likewise, for the safety of the. human species, to be destroyed 
in the neighbourhood of all .owns amf villages ;■which, by the bye, 
lire Use places where they most commonly abound. I have seen the 
poisonous hv-mlcck, henbane, wolfsbane, and deadly nightshade, alt 
*rrcw ir.g within the environs of a small town, where, though seve¬ 
ral persons, within the memory of those living in it, had lost their 
lives by one or other of these plants, yet no method, that I ecu Id 
hear of, had ever been taken to root them out; though this might be 
done at a very trifling expence. 

Seldom a year passes but we have accounts of several persons poi¬ 
soned b} eating hemlock-roots instead of parsnips, or some kinds of 
fungus which they had gathered for mushrooms. These examples 
ought to put peopleupon their guard with respect to;the former, ai’id 
to put the latter entirely out of use. Mushrooms maybe a delicate 
dish, but they are a dangerous one, as they are generally gathered 
by persons who do not know one kind of fungus from another, 
and take every thing for a mushroom which has that appearance. 

We might J.ere mention many other, plants and animals of a 
poisonous nature which are. found in foreign countries; but as 
our observations are chiefly intended for this-'island, we shall pass 
these oyer It may not however be amiss to observe, for the bene¬ 
fit of such of our countrymen as go to America, that an effectual 
remedy is now said to be found foj the bite of the rattle-snake.— 
The prescription is as follows: Take of the roots of plantain and 
horehound, in summer, roots and branches together, a sufficient 
quantity; bruise them in a mortar, and squeeze out the juice, of 
which give, as soon as possible, one*large spoonful; if the patient 
be swelled, you must force it down his throat. This generally will 
cure; but if he finds no relief in an hour after, you may give ano¬ 
ther spoonful, which never fails;—If the roots are dried, they must 
be moistened with a little water. To the wound may be applied a 
leaf of good tobacco-moistened with ruin. 

We give this upon the faith of Dr. Brooke-, who says it was the 
invention of a negro ; for the discovery of which lie had his free¬ 
dom purchased, and a hundred pounds per annum settled upon him 
during life, by the general Assembly of Carolina. 

It is possible there may be in nature specific remedies for every 
bind of poison; but as we have very little faith in any of those 
which have yet been pretended to be discovered, we shall beg leave 
again to recommend the most strict attention to the following rules, 
viz That when any poisonous substance has been taken into the 
stomach, it ought as soon as possible to be discharged by vomits, 
clysters, and purges; and, when poison has been received into the 
body by a wound, that it be expelled by medicines which promote the 
different secretions, especially those of sweat, urine, and insensible 
perspiration; to which maj be joined antispasmodics, or such me¬ 
dicines 






dicines'as lake eff tension end irritation; the chief of which are 
opium, musk, camphire, and asafcetidu. 


C H 'A P. XLVIX. 

OF TIIE VENEREAL DISEASE 

| N the first edition of this book the venereal disease was omitted. 
JL The reasons however which at that time induced me to leave it 
out, have upon more mature consideration vanished. Bad consequen¬ 
ces, no doubt, may arise frem ignorant persons tampering with me¬ 
dicine in this disorder; but the danger from that quarter seems to be 
more than balanced by the great and solid advantages, which must 
arise to the patient from.an early knowledge of his case, and an at¬ 
tention to a plan of regimen, which, if it does not cure the disease, 
will be sureto render it more mild, and less hurtful to the constituti¬ 
on. 

It is peculiarly unfortunate for the. unhappy persons who contract 
this disease, that it lies under a sort of disgrace.- This renders dis¬ 
guise necessary and makes the patient either conceal Iris disorder al¬ 
together, or -apply to those who promise a sudden and secret cure ; 
but who in fact only remove the symptoms for a time, while they 
fix the disease deeper in the.habit. Bv this means a slight infection, 
which, might have been easily removed, is often converted into an 
obstinate, and sometimes an incurable malady. 

Another unfavourable circumstance.attending this disease is, that 
it assumes a variety of different shapes, and may with more proprie¬ 
ty be called an assemblage of diseases, than a single one. No two 
diseases can require a more different method of -treatment than this 
does in its different stages. Hence the folly of trusting to any par¬ 
ticular nostrum for the cure of it. Such nostrums are however ge¬ 
nerally administered in the-same manner to all who apply for them, 
without the least regard to the state of the disease, the constitution 
of the patient, the degree of infection, and a thousand other circum¬ 
stances of the utmosL importance. 

Though the venereal disease is generally the fruit of unlawful em¬ 
braces, yet it may be communicated to the innocent as well as cho 
guilty. Infants, nurses, midwives, and married women whose hus¬ 
bands lead dissolute lives, are often affected with it, and frequently 
Jose their lives by not being aware of. their danger in due time. Tub 
unhappy condition of such persons will certainly plead our excu- y, 
if .any excuse be necessary, for endeavouring to point out the sym.;>~, 
toms and cure of this too common disease. 

To enumerate all its different symptoms, however, and to trace 
the disease minutely through ils various stages, would require a 
much larger space than falls to this part of my subjeet; I shall there- 
confine my observations chiefly to -.circumstances of importance 

omitting 

O 







OF. THE VIRULENT, GONORRIKEA. 


v 

*'mining such ;as are either trifling, or which occur hut seldom. )1 
J-hall likewise pass'over the history of the disease, with the diffe *, 
rent method’s or. treatment which it hTs undergone since it was fir*> 
introduced into Europe, and many other circumstances of a similat 
nature; all of which though they might tend to amuse the reader^, 
yet could afford him fit tie or no useful Knowledge, 


OF THE VIRULENT GONORRHOEA. 


an involuntary discharge of infec.ln 
deration in eitiier sex. It.generallv 


THE yiride.nl Gonorrhoea is 

«>/is matter from the parts of'generation in either sex. T,geneially 
makes its appearance within eiuht or ten days after liie infection has 

h 


been received; sometimes indeed it appears in two or three days, 
and at other times not before thy end of four or five weeks. Pre¬ 
vious to l lie discharge the patient feels an itching, with a small de¬ 
gree of pain in the genitals. Afterwards a thin glary matter begins 
to distil from the urir;ary passage, which stains the linen, and occa¬ 
sions a smalt degree of titillation, particularly at the time of making 
Mater; tins, gradually increasing, arises at length to a degree of heat 
and pain, which are chiefly perceived about the extremity of the 
in nary passage, where a, slight degree of redness and inflammation 
liLevvjst* begin'id appear. 

As the disorder advance 1 ', the psin, heat of urine, and running, 
increase, while fresh'symptoms daily ensue. In men, tpe erections 
Become painful and involuntary f and are more frequent and lasting 
than when natural. This? sympiofn is most troublesome when the 
patient, is warm in bed. The pain which Was rd first only perceived 
towards the.’extremity, now begins to reach all up the urinary pas- 
c ? -.re, and'is most intense just after thy patient has done making wa¬ 
ter. The running gradually recedes from the colour of seed, grows 
yellow, and at length puts on the appptprance of mucus. 

When the disorder has arrived.at its height, all the symptoms are 
Mnore intense; the heat of the urine is so great, that the patient 
dreads the making water ; and though he feels a constant inclina¬ 
tion tliis way,’ yet it .is rendered with the greatest difficulty, and of¬ 
ten only by drops ; the involuntary erections now become exi remely 
i/ainful and frequent; there is also a pain, heat, and sense of fulness 
About the seat, and the running is plentiful and sharp, of a brown, ‘ 
greenish, and sometimes of a bloody colour. 

By a propei treatment the violence of the symptoms gradually 
abates ; the heat of urine goes off; tlie involuntary and painful erec- 
tions, and the heat and pain about the seat, become easier; the 
running a’;o gradually decreases, grows whiter and thicker, till at 
Iasi it entirely disappears. 

By attending to these symptoms the gonorrhoea may be generally 
distinguished from any other, disease. There are however some 
few disorders for which it may be mistaken, as an ulcer in the kid- 
pies or bladder, the Jluvr albitt or whites in women, 8zc. But in the 
former of these, the matter comes away only with the urine, or 
when the sphincter of the bladder isopen; whereas In -the. gonorT 




•OF*THE -VIRULENT- CONOR FdiCLA. 2* 


known cliiif'iy iiOMi us effects, as paiu, cQtu- 


rnaa the discharge is const ant. The latter is more difficult to dis¬ 
tinguish, and must be known chicfLv 
Tliu'.ncating the infection, &. 

ili .GlMEN.--When a person has reason to suspect that,he has 

• aught the venereal infection, fie ought most si.ric« \y. do*wrye a 
itooling regimen, to avoid ever\ thing oi a heating uu-.ure, as v.ijie'v 
spirituous liquors, rich sauces, spices, salted, high-seasoned and 
smoke-dried provisions, &c also all aromatic,and stimulating vegeta¬ 
bles, h s 01 i )ns, garlic, shallot, nutmeg, mustard, cinnamon, mace, gin¬ 
ger, and such like. His food ought chiefly to consist- of. mi id vege¬ 
tables, milk, broths, light puddings, panado, gruels, 8g.q drink 

may be barley-water, milk and water, decoctions of marsh-mallow; 
and liquorice, linseed-tea, or clear whey. Of these he ouglit io 
drink plentifully. Violent exercise of all kinds, especially riding on 
l - >rscl)ack, and venereal pleasures, are to be avoided. The pati¬ 
ent must beware of cold, and when.the.inflammation is violent, Jr; 
ought to keep his bed. 

MEDICINE.-——A virulent gonorrbaca.cannot always be cured 
speedily and effectually at the same time. The patient ought there¬ 
fore not to expect, nor the physician to promise it. Tt will often 
continue for Uvo or three weeks, and sometimes for five or six, even 
where the treatment has been very proper. 

Sometimes indeed a slight infection rnav be carried oft in a tew 
days, by bathing the parts in warm milk and waier, and injecting 
frequently up the urethra a little sweet oil or linseed tea about the 
warmth of new milk. Should these not succeed in carrying off the 
infection, they will at least have a tendency to lessen its virulence. 

To effect a cure, however, astringent injections will be feraud ne¬ 
cessary. These may be various ways prepared, but I think those 
made with the white vitriol are both most safe and efficacious. They 
can be made stronger or weaker as circumstances may require; but 
it is best to begin with the more gentle, and increase their power if 
necessary. I generally order a drachm of v\hile vitriol to be dis¬ 
solved in eight or nine ounces of common or rose water, and an or¬ 
dinary syringe full of it to be thrown up three or four times a-day. 
If this quantity does not perform a cure, it may be repealed, and 
the dose increased 

Whether injections be used or not, cooling purges are always 
proper in a gonorrhoea; They ought not, however, to be of the 

strong or drastic kind. Whatever raises a violent commotion in the 

• • • 

* Although it is now very common to cure the gonorrhea by aftringent 
injections, there are Hill many practitioners who do not approve this mo civ of 
jlrafticc. I. can, however, from much experience, aiTert that i r is both the 
rhoft eafv, elegant, and efficacious method.of cure; and that any bad confe- 
quences arifirig from it mult be owing to the ignorance or mifconduCt of the 
practitioner himfelf. and not to the remedy. Many, for example, ufe ftrong 
preparations of lead, all of which are dangerous when applied to the internal 
furfaces of the body ; others life efcharotics, which inflame and injure the 
parts. I have known a gonorrhea actually cured by an mje&icn made of 
green-tea, and would always recommend gentle methods where they will 
fucceed. 

1 body 







*■« fj 


UI X I i'£i. 


v iiv u i. U UiN U11K MUl«A. 


body increases the danger, and tends to drive the disease deeper in¬ 
to the habit. Procuring two or three stools every second or thi r 
day for the first fortnight, and the same number every fourth or f f' 
rh y for tbp second, yvili generally be sufficient to remove the i 
fuimniatory syrnplonis, to diminish the running, and to change \ 
eo four and consistence,* it gradually becomes more yvlyite and rop 
as the.virulence abates*. - 

When the inflammatory symptoms run high, bleeding is alway 
necessary at the beginning. This operation, as in other topica 
inflammations, must be repeated according to the strength ant 
constitution of the patient, and the vehemence and urgency of thy 
symptoms. ‘ 

Medicines which promote the secretion of urine are likewise pro¬ 
per in this stage of the disorder. For this purpose an ounce of ni¬ 
tre anti two ounces of gum arabic, pounded together, may be divid¬ 
ed into,-twenty.-four dozes, one of which may be taken frequently 
in a cup of the patient's drink. If these should make him pass his 
urine-so often-as, to become troublesome., to him, he-may either 
tal e lhenr less frequently, or leave out the nitre altogether, and take 
equal parts of gum-arabic and cream of tartar. These may be pound¬ 
ed together, and a tea-spoonful taken in a cup of tire patient’s drink 
four or-ffive.times a-duy, I have generally found this answer ex¬ 
tremely well, both as a diuretic ar.d for keeping the body gently 
op' n, .' 

V ’ -n ihen.i’ r and inflammation are seated high, towards the 
stock of the..|)ladflcr, it will be proper frequently to throw up an 
emollient clyster,, which, besides the benefit of procuring stools, 
w fl] serve-as a fomentation to the inflamed parts. 

b H poultices, when they can conveniently be applied to the 
part:, are of great service. They may be made of the flour of lin¬ 
seed, or of wheal-bread and milk, softened with fresh butter or 
sweet oil. When poultices cannot be conveniently used, cloths 
wrung out of warm water, or bladders, filled with warm milk and 

* If the patient can fwallow* a folution of falts and manna, he may take 
fix drachms, or, if his contlitution requires it, an ounce of the former, 
■with half an ounce of the latter. Thefe may be didelved in an Englifh pint 
of boibng water, whey, or thin watergroel, ar.d taken early m the morning - : 

If an infuiionof fehna and tamarinds be more agreeable, two drachms of 
the former, and an ounce of the latter, may be iiifufed all night in an En- 
glitl) pint of boiling water. The infulion may be (trained next morning, and 
half an ounce of Glauber’s falts diiToived in it.. A,tea-cupful of this infufioti 
may be taken every half hour till it operate - ^ 

Should the patient prefer an eledeary, the following will - be found to an- 
fwer very well. Take of the lenitive ele&aary four ounces, cream of tartar 
two ounces, jalap in powder two drachms, rhubarb one drachm, and as 
much of the lyrup of pale rofes as will ferve to make up the whole into a 
1. ft electuary. Two or three tea-lpoonsful of this may be taken overnight, 
and about the fame quantity next morning, every day - that the patient chufes 
to take a purge. 

The doles of the above medicines may be increafed or dimimfhed accorl- 
ing as,the patient finds it neceffary. We have ordered the falts to be dif- 
fotved in a large quantity of water, becaufe it renders their operation roord 

water. 



OF THE VIRULENT GONORRHOEA. 


water, may be applied. I have known the most excruciating pains 
during the inflammatory state of the gonorrhoea, relieved by one or 
other of these applications. 

Few things tend more to keep off inflammation in file spermatic 
vessels than a proper truss for the scrotum. It ought to be so 
coniriVed as to support the testifies, and 'should' be worn from ihc 
first appearance of the disease till it has ceased sonic weeks. 

The above treatment will sometimes remove the gonorrhoea so 
quickly, that the person will be in doubt whether he real 1 > laboured 
under that disease. This' however is too favourable a turn to !;.e 
often expected. It more frequently happens, that we are duly able 
to procure an abatement or remission of the inflammatory Symptoms, 
so far as to make it safe to have recourse to the great antidote 
mercury. 

Many people, on the first appearance of a gonorrhoea/fly to the 
use of mercury. This is a baa plan. Mercury is often not ail ne¬ 
cessary ill a gonorrhoea; and when taken too early it does mischief. 

It may be necessary to complete the cure, but can never be oro- 
per at the .commencement of it. 

•When bleeding, purging, fomentations, and the other thirio-? re¬ 
commended as above, have eased the pain, softened the pulse, re¬ 
lieved the heat of urine, and rendered the involuntary erections loss 
frequent, the patient may begin to use mercury in any form that is 
least disagreeable to him. 

If lie takes the common mercurial pill, two at night and oim ir. 
the morningWill be a sufficient dose at first. Should they ahicot 
the mouth too much, the dose must be lessened ; if not at ail ir may 
be gradually increased to five or six pills in the day. If c: florae! he 
thought preferable, Wo or three grains of it, formed info a bo ho. 
with alittleof the conserve of hips, may betaken at bed-time, and (fie 
dose gradually increased to eight or ten grains One of the most com¬ 
mon preparations of mercury now' in use is the corrosive sublimate. 
This may be taken in the manner afterwards recommended under 
the confiimed lues or pox. I have always found it one of the most 
safe and efficacious medicines when properly used. 

The above medicines may either be taken every day or every other 
day, as the patient is able to bear them. They ought never to be 
taken in such quantity as to raise a salivation, unless in a very slight 
degree. The disease may be more safely, and as certainly, cured 
without a salivation as with it. When the mercury runs off by the 
mouth, it is not so successful in carrying off the disease, as when it 
continues longer in the body, and is discharged gradually. 

Should the patient be purged or griped in the night by the mer¬ 
cury, he must take an infusion of senna, or some other purgative, 
and drink freely of water-gruel, to prevent bloody stools, which are 
very apt to happen should the patient catch cold, or if the mercury 
has not been duly prepared. When the bowels are weak and the 
mercury is apt to gripe or purge, these disagreeable consequences 
may be prevented by taking, with the above pills or bolus, half a 
dracliiti or tvfo scruples of diascordium, or of the Japonic confection* 

To 


'4'9b OF THE VIRULENT GONORRHOEA, 


To nrevent the <Itsaer<*eaMe circnVtmanoe of the mercury’s affect- 
Ing the mouth too much,-or bringing on a salivation, it may be com- 
bine cl with purgatives. With this view (he laxative mercurial pib 
has been contrived, {lie usual dose el which is half a drachm, or 
thtee pills,' night and moining. to be repeated every other day ; but 
the safer vs a > is for the patient to begin with two, or even with one 
pill, graduall y increasing the dose ... 

To such persons as can neither swabo-v a !v Gs no- a pi!!, mercu- 
' ry mivhc. given in a liquid form, as it can he suspended even, in a wa¬ 
ter) vehic le, by means o{ gum-arabic ; which not only sefves Ihis pur¬ 
pose, but likewise prevents the rne-c ury from affecting the mouth, 
and renders it in many respects a better medicine*, v. 

It happens vefv fbrfiuialelv fur those who cannot be brought to 
fake rnetcufv inwardly, and likewise for persons whose bowels are 
too tender to bear it, that an external application of it will answer 
equally we!!, arid in some respects belter. It must be ac know ledge.b 
that meVcorv, taken inwardly for any length ol time, great 1 \ we.ak 
ens and disorders the bowels ; tor which reason, when a plentiful 
use of it becomes necessary, we would prefer rubbing to the m-r- 
oinitl piiis. . The common mercurial or blue ointment will answer 
verv welt. Of that whic h is made by rubbing together equal quan- 
I;tie's of hog s lard and quit kdiver, about a drachm may be used at 
a time. T he best nine tor rubbing it on is at night, and (he most 
proper place the inner side of the thighs. Tive patient should stand 
before the fire when he rubs, anti should wear flannel drawers next 
his skin at the time he is using the ointment. If oiniment of a 
weaker or stronger kind be used, the quantity must be increased or 
diminished m proportion. 

If, during the use of the ointment, the inflammation of the ge¬ 
nital parts, together with the heat and feverishness, should return, 
or if the. mouth should 'grow sore, the gums tender, and the breath 
become ttdensive, 2. dose or two of Glauber’s salts. Or some other 
cooling purge, may be taken, and the rubbing intermitted for a few 
days*. As soon however as tire signs of soil ling are gone off, if the 
viruiency be not quite corrected, the ointment must he repeated, 
but in smaller quantities, and at longer intervals than before. 
Wna'.ever way mercury is administered, its use may be persisted in 
as long as any viruiency is suspected to remain. 

During this, which may be called the second stage of (he cli or¬ 
der, though so strict a regimen is not necessary ds in the find or m- 
fhunmdtqiy state, yet intemperance of even kind must be avoided. 
The food must be light, plain, and of ea^-y digestion ; and (lie great¬ 
est indulgence that may lie allowed with respect to drink Is, a little 
wine diluted with a sulheient quantity of wabr. Spiriious liquors 

* Take quickfilver 9 'c drachm, gum-arabic reduced to a mucilage two 
drachms; let the quickUlver he rubbed with he mucilage, in a marble mor¬ 
tar, until the globules of mercury entirely difapp<-ar; afterwards add gra¬ 
dually, ttili continuing the trituratiort, half atictmce T bali'amic lyrup, "and 
eight ounces of iituple cinnamon-water. Tv- o ta : ie-tpoonfiils of t his icluii- 
on m iv be take*night and morning. Some r ckor. 'his ‘he bail form in whidl 
quiebiilver can be exhibited for the cure of 3 gonorrhoea. 




291 


OF GLEETS. 

Are to be avoided in every shape. I have often knoton the inflamma¬ 
tory symptoms renewed and heightened, the running increased, and 
the cure rendered extremely difficult and tedious, by one fit of ex¬ 
cessive drinking. 

When the above treatment has removed the heat of urine, and 
the soreness of the genital parts; when the quantity of funning is 
considerably lessened, without any pain or swelling in. the groin or 
testicle supervening ; when the patient is free from involuntary erec¬ 
tions; and lastly, when the running becomes pale, whitish/thick., 
void of iil smell, and tenaceous or ropy; when all or most of these 
symptoms appear, the gonorrhoea is arrived at it* la<t stage, and we 
may gradually proceed to treat it as a gleet with astringent and ag¬ 
glutinating medicines. 


O F 


GLEETS. 


A Gonorrhoea frequently repeated, or improperly treated, often 
ends in a gleet, which may either proceed from a relaxation, or 
from some remains of the disease. It is however of the greatest 
importance in the cure of the gleet, to know from which of these 
causes it proceeds. When the discharge proves very obstinate, and 
receives little or no check from astringent remedies, (here is ground 
to suspect that it is owing to the latter; but if the drain is incon¬ 
stant, and is chiefly observable when the patient is stimulated by la¬ 
scivious ideas, or upon straining to go to stool, we may reasonably 
conclude that it is chiefly owing to the former. 

In the cure of a gleet proceeding from relaxation, the principal 
design is to brace, and restore a proper degree of tension to the de¬ 
bilitated and relaxed vessels. For this purpose, besides the medi¬ 
cines recommended in the gonorrhoea, the patient may have recourse 
to stronger and more powerful astringents, as the Peruvian bark*, 
alum, vitriol, galls, tormentil, bistort, baldustines, tincture of gum 
kino, &c. The injections may be.rendered more astringent by the 
addition of a lew grains of alum, or increasing the quantity of vi¬ 
triol as far as the parts are able to bear it. 

The last remedy which we shall mention in this case is the cold 
bath, than which there is not perhaps a more powerful bracer in 
the whole compass of medicine. It ought never to be omitted in 
this species of gleet, unless there be something in the constitution 
of the patient which renders the use of it unsafe. The chief ob¬ 
jections to the use the cold bath are a full habit and an un-smmd 
state of the viscera. The danger from the former may always be 

* The Peruvian bark may be combined with other aft.ringer.ts, and pre¬ 
pared m the following- manner: 

Take of Peruvian bark bruifed fix drachms,^ of frefh galls bruifed two 
drachms; boil them in a pound and an half of water to a pound: to t!:e 
fvrained liquor add three ounces of the Ample tincture oi the baik. A nuall 
tea-cupful of this may be taken three times a day, adding to each cup fif 
teen or twenty drops of the acid elixir of vitriol. 

K, r lessened 



m O F G L E "E T '$. 

l&ssenfcd, if not removed, by purging and bleeding ; but the 
*s an insurmountable obstacle, as the pressure of the water, and the 
sudden contraction of the external vessels* by throwing the blood 
with too much force upon the internal parts, are apt to occasion rup¬ 
tures of the vessels, or a-Tiltx tvf humours upon the diseased organs. 
But wive re no objection of this kind prevails, t ire patient ought to 
plunge over head in water every morning fasting, for three or four 
weeks together He should not however stay long in the water, and 
should take care to have his skin dried as soon as he comes out: 

The regimen proper in this case is the same as was mentioned in 
the last stage of the gonorrhoea : tlie diet must be drying and astrin¬ 
gent, and the drink. Spa, Pyrmont, or Bristol waters, with which 
a little claret or red wine may sometimes be mixed. Any person 
may now afford to drink these waters, as they can be every where 
prepared at almost no expence, by a mixture of common chalk and 
oil of vitriol. 

When the gleet does not in the smallest degree yield to these me¬ 
dicines, there is reason to suspect that it proceeds from ulcers. In 
this case recourse must be had to mercury, and such medicines as 
tend to correct any predominant acrimony with which the juices 
may be affected, as the decoction of China, sarsaparilla, sassafras, 
cr the like. 

Mr. Fordvce says, he has seen may obstinate gleets, of two, three 
or four years standing, effectually cured by a mercurial inunction, 
when almost every other medicine has been tried in vain. Dr. 
Chapman seems to be of the same opinion; but says, he has always 
found the mercury succeed best in this case when joined with terebin- 
thinaie and other agglutinating medicines. For which reason the Doc¬ 
tor recommends pills made of calomel and Venice turpentine*; and 
desires that their use may be accompanied with a decoction of gua- 
iacum or sarsaparilla. 

The last kind of remedy which we shall mention for the cure of 
ulcers in the urinary passage, are the suppurating candles or bou¬ 
gies: as theseare prepared various ways, and are generally to be 
bought ready made, it is needless to spend time in enumerating the 
different ingredients of which they are composed, or teaciiingthe 
manner of preparing them Before a bougie be introduced into the 
urethra, however, it should be smeared ail over with sweet oil, to 
prevent it from stimulating too suddenly ; it may be suffered to con¬ 
tinue in from one to seven or eight hours, according as the patient 
can bear it. Obstinate ulcers are not ©nly often healed, but tumours 
andexcresences in the urinary passages taken away,and an obstruction 
of urine removed by means of bougies. Obstinate gleets may be re¬ 
moved by the use of boup-ies. 

* * Take Venice turpentine, boiled to a fuflicient degree of hardnefs, half 
an ounce, calomel half a drachm. Let thefe be mixed and formed into fixty 
pills, of ; hich five or fix may be taken night and morning. If, during the 
ule of ttyefe pills, the mouth fhould grow fore, or the breath become offen- 
five, they mull be diicontinued until thefe fymptoms difappear. 


OF 


f 293 ) 

OF THE SWELLED TESTICLE. 

THE swelled testicle rn^ay either/ proceed from infection lately 
contracted, or from the venereal poison lurking in the body:: the 
latter indeed is not very common, but the former frequently happens 
both in the first and second stages of a gonorrhoea; particularly 
when the running is unseasonably checked, by cold, hard drinking, 
strong drastic purges, violent exercise, the. too early use of astrin¬ 
gent medicines, or the like. 

In the inflammatory stage, bleeding is necessary, which must be 
repeated according to the urgency of the symptoms*. The food must 
he light, and the drink diluting. High-seasoned food, flesh, wines, 
and every thing of a heating nature, are to beavoided* f omentations 
are of singular service. Poultices of bread and milk., softened with 
fresh butter or oil, are likewise very proper, gild .ought constantly to 
be applied when the patient is in bed, when he is up the testicles 
should be kept warm, and supported by a bag or truss, which may 
easily be contrived in such a manner as to prevent the weight .of the 
testicle from having any effect. 

If it should be found impracticable to clear the testicle by the 
cooling regimen now pointed out,,and extended according to circum¬ 
stances, it will be necessary to lead the patient through such a com¬ 
plete antivenerai course as shall ensure him against any future unea¬ 
siness. For this purpose, besides rubbing the mercurial ointment 
on the part, if free from pain, or on the thighs, as directed in the 
gonorrhoea, the patient must be confined to bed, if necessary, for 
five or six weeks, suspending the testicle ail ihe while with a bag or 
truss, and plying him. inwardly with.strong decoctions of sarsapa¬ 
rilla .' 

When these means do not succeed, and there is reason to suspect 
a.scrophulus or cancerous habit, either of which may support a scir¬ 
rhous induration, after the venereal poison is corrected, the parts 
should be fomented daily with a decoction of hemlock, the bruised 
leaves of which may likewise be added to the poultice, and the ex¬ 
tract at the same time taken inwardly f. This practice.is strongly 
recommended by Dr. Stork in scirrhous and cancerous cases : and 
Mr Fordyce assures us, that by this method he has cured dis¬ 
eased testicles of two or three years standing, even when ulcerated, 
and when the scirrhushad begun . to be affected,with pricking and 
lancing pains. 

OF BUBOES; 

VENEREAL Buboes are hard tumours seated in the groin, occa¬ 
sioned by the venereal poison lodged in this part. They aie of two 

* I have been accuftomed for fome time pall to apply leeches to inflamed 
tefticles, which practice has always been followed by the molt happy effects. 

f The extract of hemlock may be made into pills, and taken in the man¬ 
ner directed under the article Cancer. 

kinds 




• 204 ' 


OF CHANCRES. 


kinds; viz such as proceed ftotp a recent infection, and such as ac¬ 
company a confirmed lues. 

The cure of recent buboes, that is, such as appear soon after im¬ 
pure coition, may be first attempted by dispersion, and, if that 
should not succeed, by suppuration. To promote the dispersion of 
a bubo, the same regimen must be observed as was directed in the 
first stage of a gonorrkcea. The patient must likewise be bled, and 
take some cooling purges, as the decoction of tamarinds and senna* 
Glauber’s sails, and the like. If* by this course, the swelling and 
other inflammatory symptoms abate, we may safely proceed to the 
use of mercury, which must be continued till the venereal virus is 
subdued*. 

13m if the bubo should, from the beginning, be attended with 
great heat, pain, and pulsation, it will be proper to promote its sup¬ 
puration. For this purpose the patient may be allowed to use his 
ordinary diet, and to take now and then a glass of wine. Emolli¬ 
ent cataplasms, consisting of bread and milk softened with oil or 
fresh butter, may be applied to the part; and in cold constitutions, 
where the tumour advances slowly, white lilly-roots boiled, or slic¬ 
ed onions raw, and a sufficient- quantity of yellow basil icon, may be 
added to the poultice. 

When the tumour is ripe, which may be known by its conical figure, 
the softness of the skin, and a fiuctuatipn of matter plainly to be 
felt under the finger, it may be opened either by a caustic or a lan¬ 
cet, and afterwards dressed with digestive eminent. 

It sometimes however happens, that buboes can neither be dis¬ 
persed nor brought to a suppuration, but remain hard, indolent tu¬ 
mours. In this case the indurated glands must be consumed by caus¬ 
tic ; if they should become scirrhous, they must be dissolved by the 
application of hemlock, both externally and internally, as directed in 
the scirrhous testicles. 

OF CHANCRES. 

CHANCRES are superficial, callous, eating ulcers ; which may 
happen eithfer with or without a gonorrhoea. They are commonly 
seated about the glans, and make their appearance in the following 
manner: First a little red pimple arises, which soon becomes 
pointed at top, and is filled with a whitish matter inclining to yel¬ 
low. This pimple is hot, and itches generally before it breaks ; af¬ 
terwards it degenerates into an obstinate ulcer, the bottom of which 
is usually covered with a vicid mucus, and whose edges gradually 
become hard and callous. Sometimes the first appearance resembles 
& simple excoriation of the cuticle ; which, however, if the cause 
be veneieal, soon becomes a true chancre. 

A chancre is sometimes a primary affection, but it is much oftener 
symptomatic, and is the mark of a confirmed lues Primary chancres 

* For the difperfion of a bubo, a number of leeches applied to the part 
sdfe&ed will be found equally efficacious as in the inflamed tellicle. 

discover 


i 






OF C II A N C R E 3. Z9S 

discover themselves soon after impure coition, and are generally leaf¬ 
ed in parts covered with a thin cuticle, aa the lips, lira nippies of 
qvomen, the glanspenis of men, &c*'. 

When a chancre appears soon offer impure coition, its treat- 
ment is nearly similar to that of the virulent gonorrhoea. Tire pati¬ 
ent must observe the cooling regimen, lose a little blood and take 
some gentle doses'of salts and manna. The parts affected ought 
frequently to be bathed, or rather soaked, in warm milk and water, 
and, if the inflammation be great, an emollient poultice or cataplasm 
may be applied to them. This course will, in most cases be suffici- 
ent to abate the inflammation, and prepare the patient for the use 
of mercury. 

Symptomatic chancres are commonly accompanied with ulcers m 
the throat, nocturnal pains, scurvy eruptions about the roots of the 
hair, and other symptoms of a confirmed lues. Though they may 
be seated in any of the parts mentioned above, they commonly ap¬ 
pear upon the private parts, or the inside of the thigh. They are 
also less painful, but frequently much larger and harder than pri¬ 
mary chancres. As their cure must depend upon that of the pox, 
of which they are only a symptom, we shall take no further notice: 
of them, till we come to treat of a confirmed luesf. 

Thus we have related most of the .symptoms which accompany 
or succeed a violent gonorrhoea, and have also given a short view 
of their proper treatment;* there are, however, several others which 
sometimes attend this disease, as a strangury, or obstruction of urine, 
a pkymosis, paraphymosis, & c. 

A strangury may either be occasioned by a spasmodic con¬ 
striction, or an inflammation of the urethra and parts about the neck 
of the bladder. In the former case, the patient begins to void his 
urine with tollerable ease; but, as soon as it touches the galled or 
inflamed urethra, a sudden constriction takes place, and the urine 
is voided by spurts, sometimes by drops only. When the strangury is 
owing to an inflammation about the neck of the bladder, there is a 
constant heat and uneasiness of the part, a perpetual desire to make 
water, while the patient can only render a tew drops, and a trou¬ 
blesome tenesnius, or constant inclination to go to stool. 

When the strangury is owing to spasms, such medicines as tend to 
dilute and blunt the salts of the urine will be proper. For this pur¬ 
pose, besides the common diluting liquors, soft and cooling emu!* 
sions, sweetened with the syrup of poppies, may be used. Should 

* When venereal ulcers are feated in the lips, the infection may he corn* 
municatedby luffing. I have feen very cbiliriate venereal ulcers in the lips, 
which I have all the reafon in the world to believe were communicated m 
this manner. 

Nurfes ought to beware of fuckling infe&ed children, or having their 
breads drawn by perfons tainted with the venereal difeafe. This caution is 
very necessary for nurfes who refide in the neighbourhood of great towns. 

f I have found it anfwer extremely well to Iprinkle chancres twice a-day 
•with calomel. This will often perform a cure without any other application 
whatever. If the chancres are upon the glans, they may be wafhed with 
milk and water, a little warm, and afterwards the calomel may be applied 

above. 


these 


296; 


OF: CHANCRES. * 

these not have the desired efTect,. bleeding and emollieut fomentati¬ 
ons,, will be necessary. 

When the complaint is evidently owing to an inflammation about:' 
the neck of the bladder, bleeding must be more liberally performed, 
and repeated accorxling to the urgency of the symptoms. After 
breeding, if the strangury still continues, soft clysters, with a pro¬ 
per quantity oh laudanum in them, may be administered, and emol- 
iient^’omentation.s.appfied to the region of the bladder. At the same 
time, the patient mav take every four hours a< tea-cupful of barley 
w-ter, to an English pint of which six onuces of the syrup of marh- 
Bi&dovvs, four ounces of, the oil of sweet almonds, and half an ounce 
oi -nitre,- may be added. If these remedies should not relieve the 
complaint, and a total suppression of urine should come on, bleed- 
jirog must be repeated, and the patient set in a warm bath up to the 
madid Ee.' It will be proper in this case to discontinue the diuretics, 
surd to draw off the water with a catheter ; but as the patient is sel- 
cI«Mta able to bear its being introduced, we would rather recommend 
the rise of mild bougies These often lubricate the-passage, and 
greatly facilitate the discharge of urine. Whenever they.begin to 
siiiTOndate or give any uneasiness, they may be with drawn. 

The phyvifMs is such a constriction of the prepuce over the glairs, 
ar hinders it from being drawn backwards; the puraphymosis t on the 
ccyatirsry,. is such a constrict ion of the prepuce behind the glairs, as 
3ir.mid.ers it from being brought forward. 

The treatment of these symptoms is so nearly the same with that 
of the virulent gonorrhoea, that we have no occasion to enlarge up¬ 
on ft. In general, bleeding, purging, poultices, and emollient fo- 
mentations are sufficient. Should these however fail of removing 
the stricture, ami the parts be threatened with a mortification, twen- . 
iv pr thirty grains of ipecacuanha, and one grain of emetic tartar, 
jnsy be given for a vomit, and may be worked off with warip watery 
<di thin gruel... 

It sometimes happens, that, in sopite of all endeavours to the con-., 
tirary„ the inflammation goes on, and the symptoms of a beginning 
j©ortiftcation appear. When this is the case, the prepuce must be 
sean.fi.ed with a lancet, and, if necessary, divided, in order to pre¬ 
vent a strangulation, and set the imprisoned glans at liberty. We* 
shall not describe the manner of performing this operation, as it 
ought al ways to_be done by a surgeon. When a mortification has ac¬ 
tually taken place, it will be necessary besides performing the above 
operations, to foment the parts frequently with cloths wrung out ot 
a strong decoction of camomile flowers and bark, and to give the 
patient, a drachm of the back in powder every two or three hours. 

With regard to the priapism, chordee, and other distortions of the 
penis, their treatment is no way different from that of the gonor¬ 
rhea. When they prove very troublesome, the patient may take a 
lew drops of laudanum at night, especially after the operation of &„ 
purgative through the day. 


* OF 


( 297 ) 

OF A CONFIRMED LUES. 

WE have hitherto treated of those affections in which the vene¬ 
real poison is supposed to be confined chiefly to the particular part 
by which it Was received, and shall next take a view of the lues jra 
its confirmed stale; that is, when the poison is actually received 
into the blood,and circulating with it through every part of the body, 
mixes with the several secretions, und renders the whole habit 
tainted. 

The symptoms of a confirmed lues are, buboes in the groin, pain 
of the head and joints, which are peculiarly tioublesome in the 
night, or when the patient is w^arm in bed ; scabs and scurfs in 
various parts of the body, especially on the head, of a yellowish 
colour, resembling a honey-comb; corroding uicers in various par's 
of the body, which generally begin about the throat, from whence 
they creep gradually, by the palate, towards the cartilage of the' 
nose, which they destroy; excrescences or exostoses arise in the 
middle of the bones, and their spongy ends become brittle, and 
break upon the least accident; at other times they are soft, and 
bend like wax; the conglobate glands become hard and cailouv 
and form, in the neck, armpits, groin, and mesentery, hard move- 
able tumours, like the king’s evil; tumours of different kinds are' 
likewise formed in the lymphatic vessels, tendons, ligaments, and 
nerves, as the gummatu , ganglia, nodes, tophs, &c. ; the eyes are ■af¬ 
fected with itching, pain, redness, and sometimes with total blindness, 
and the ears with a singing noise, pain, and deafness, whilst their in¬ 
ternal substance is ulcerated and rendered carious ; at length all the 
animal, vital, and natural functions are depraved ; the face becomes 
pale and livid; the body emaciated and unfit for motion, and the 
miserable patient falls into an atrophy or wasting consumption. 

Women have symptoms peculiar to the sex; as cancers of the 
breast; a suppression or overflowing of the menses; the whites; 
hysteric affections; an inflammation, abscess, schirrhus, gangrene, 
cancer, or ulcer of the womb; they are generally either barren or 
subject to abortion ; or, if they bring children into the world, they 
have an universal erysipelas, are half rotten, and covered with ui¬ 
cers. ' . 

Such is the catalogue of symptoms attending this dreadful disease 
in its confirmed state. Indeed they are seldom all to be met with m 
the same person, or at the same time ; so many of them, however,.' 
are generally present as are sufficient to alarm the patient; and it he 
has reason to suspect the infection is lurking in his body, lie ought 
immediately to set about the expulsion of it, otherwise the most tra¬ 
gical consequences will ensue. 

The only certain remedy hitherto known in Europe, for the cure 
of this disease, is mercury, which may be used in a great variety of 
forms, with nearly the same success*. Some time ago it was reckon* 
ed impossible to cure a confirmed lues without a salivation. This 

* The preparations which I now chiefly ufe, in the confirmed lues, are 
calomel and calcined mercury. met ho a 



2S* 


OF A CONFIRMED LUES. 


tokelhod k now however pretty generally laid aside, and mercury k 
found to he asVificacioas, or rather more so, in expelling the vene'» 
teal poison, when.administered in such a manner as not to run oil'by 
the salivary glands. 

Though many are of opinion, that the mercurial ointment is as 
efficacious; as any other preparation of that mineral; yef experience 
has taught me to think otherwise. I have often seen the most, ob 
stinafce venereal cases, were great quantities of mec*Urial ointment had 
been used in v-ain, yield to the saline preparations of mercury. t\<>r 
am t singular in this Opinion. My ingenious friend, Mr. Clare, an 
eminent surgeon of this c ity, assures me, that for some time past he 
has employed, in venereal cases, a saline preparation of mercury 
with ryoM. happy Success. This preparation rubbed with a sufficient 
quantity of any mild powder, he applies, in small portions to the 
tongue, where, with a gentle degree of friction, it is immediately 
absorbed, and produces its full effect upon the s\stem, without 


ung lue least injury to the stomach or bowels; a matter of the 
greatest importance in the application of this most active and power- 
mi remedy. 

It is imposiblc to ascertain either the exact quantity of medicines 
that must be taken, or the time they ought to be con-iiuued, in 
order C6perform a cure. These will ever vary according to the 
GanstiiUt'on of the patient, the season of the year, the degree of 
rnfectmn, the time it has lodged iiff the body, &c. But though'it 
is difficult,, as Asirue ob erves, to determine apriori % what quanti¬ 
ty- of mercury will, in the whole, be necessary to cure this dis¬ 
temper completely * yet it may be judged of a posteriori, from the 
abatement and ceasing of the symptoms. The same author add-» 
that commonly not less than two ounces of the strong mem rial oint¬ 
ment is sufficient, and not more than three or four ounces necessary. 

The only chemical preparation of mercury which we shall rake no¬ 
tice of, is the corrossive sublimate. This was some time ago brought 
into use for the venereal disease, in Germany, by the illustrious 
Baron Van Swiden; and was soon after introduced into Britain by 
the learned Sir John Pringle, at that time physician to the army. 
The method of giving it is as follows : One grain of corrossive sub¬ 
limate is dissolved in two ounces of French brand v or malt spirits ; 
and of this solution, an ordinary table spoonful, or the quantity of 
half ah ounce, is to be taken twice a-day, and to be continued as 
long as any symptoms of the disorder remain. To those whose sto¬ 
mach cannot bear the solution, the sublimate may be srivetl in form 
of pill*. 

Several roots, woods, and barks, have been recommended for 
curing the venereal disease; but none of them have been found, tip- 

* The fqblimate may be given in dHliiled water, or any other liquid that 
the patient choofes. I commonly order ten grains to be diflblved in ait ounce 
oi. the fpirit of v» ine; for the convenienev of carriage, and let the pat ient 
tube twenty or thirty drops off it night and morning in half a glafs of brandy 
or other 'pints. Mr. Debra., an ingenious chymift of this place, informs 
me, that he prepares a, fait of mercury much more mild and gentle in ns 
operation than the fublunate, though equally efficacious, 

on 



OF A CONFIRMED LUkS. 



On experience, to answer (he high encomiums .which had been be- 
< stowed upon them. Though no one of these is to be depended up¬ 
on alone, yet, when joined with mercury, some of them have beer* 
found to be very .beneficial in promoting a cure. One of the best 
we know yet is sarsaparilla, which may be prepared and taken ac¬ 
cording to. the directions in- the Appendix 

The lnezere.on-root is likewise found to be a powerful assistant to- 
the.sublimate, or any other mercurial. It may either be used along 
with sarsaparilla, as directed in the Appendix, or by itself. Those 
who choose to use the mezereon by itself, may boil an ounce of the 
fresh bark, taken from the root, in twelve English pints of water to 
.eight, addingdowards the end an ounce of iiquorice. The dose of 
this is the same as cd the decoction of sdrsaparilb. 

We have been told that the natives of America cure I ne venereal- 
disease, in every stage, by a decoction of the root of a plant called 
Lobelia. It is used either fresh or dried g-but we have no certain 
accounts with regard to the proportion. Sometimes they nvix other 
roots with it, as those of the ranunculus, the ctanoihus, &c. but 
whether these are designed to disguise or assist it, is doubtful. The 
patient takes.a large draught of the decoction early in the morning, 
and continues to use it for his ordinary drink through the davf. 

Many other roots and woods might be mentioned, which have 
been extolled .for curing the venereal disease, as the china-root, the 
roots of soap-wort, burdock, &c. as also the wood of guiaCuiii and- 
.sassafras; but as npne.of these have been found to possess .viriue^ 
..superior to.those already mentioned, we shall, for the sake of brevity;- 
pass them over, and shall conclude our observations on this disease, 
with a few general remarks concerning the proper management -ox 
the patient, and the nature of the infection. 


GENERAL OfiSERVATiO N S'. 

.. * ft. . ’ <■ '4 

THE. condition of the patient ought always, tp be considered 
previous lyo his entering upon a course of mercury in any form. It 
would he equally rash' and dangerous to administer mercury jo a per¬ 
son labouring under any violent acute disease, as a putrid fever. 


* See Appendix, Decoction of Sarsaparilla:.; 

f Though w$ arc dill very much in the.dark.,with regard to the method of 
curing thisv.dileafe among the natives of Aureriga, yet ic is generally affirmed, 
that they do cure it with ipeed, iafetv and iiiCcei's, and that without- the lea ft 
knowledge of mercury. Hence it becomes an object of conffiletable impor¬ 
tance to di(cover their method of cure. This plight furely i;e done by nnak- 
■:ing trials.cf the various plants which are found in thofepA s. and .panicu- 
larlv of fuch as the natives are known to make til'd oi. Ad people in a rude 
it ate take their medimnes chiefly from the vegetable kingdom, and are often 
poflefletl of valuable ecrets with regard to the. vittues .of plants, of-which 
more enlightened, nations are ignorant. Indeed v/e make no .doubt but Ionic 
olants of our own growth, were proper pains taken to diicover them, would- 
be-found. as efficacious in curing the venereal diieaie as thole-of America. It 
mull, however be remembered, that what will cure the venereal diieaie iiv 
cue country, will not always be found,to have equal fuecets :n another. ^ 

lS S 


3 00 


OF A CONFIRMED LUES. 


pleurisy, peripneumonv, or the like. It would likewise be dan'- 
porous in some chrdi/ic cases-; as a slow beetle fever, or the last 
stage of a consumption Sometimes, however, these diseases pro- 
t eed liorn a eonhi nied luei ; in which case it will he necessary to 
dive-mercury. In chronic diseases "of a less dangerous nut me, as 


the a.sdinSa, 


'the, oraVv 


be 


'\ administerod. 


and shell like, mercury, if necessary, may 
If the patient’s strength has been greatly 
exhausted bv siekmess, iaboii:, abstinence) or any other cause, the 
use.,! meiciirx mil i,l>e -post peued, till by time, resi/andja nourish¬ 
ing diet, it can be suffieichtly restored. 

alcicurv ought not to be administered to women during the men- 
strtia! flux, or when the period is near at hand. Neither should it 
be given in the last stage of pregnancy. If, however, the woman 
be not near the time of her delivery, and c ircumstances render it 
necessary, mercury may be given, but in smaller doses, and at 
greater intervals than usual : with these precautions, both the mo¬ 
ther ami eh Id may be cured at the same time ; it not, the disorder 
ryi'll at L ast be kept froth growing worse, till the woman be brought 

bed, and sufficiently recovered, when a more effectual method 
may be pursued, which, if she suckles h<*r child, will in all proba¬ 
bility be sufficient lor the cure of both. 

Mercury Ought always to be administered to infants with the 
greatest caution. Their tender condition unfits them for supporting 
a salivation, and makes it necessary to administer even the mildest 
preparations of mercury to them With & sparing hand. A similar 
conduct is recommended hi the treatment of old persons, who have 
the misfortune to labour under a confirmed lues. No doubt the in¬ 
firmities of age must render people less able to undergo the fatigues 
of a salivation ; but this, as -was formerly observed, is never neces¬ 
sary ; besides, we have generally found, that mercury had much 
less effect upon very old persons, than on those who were y oung¬ 
er. 

Hysteric .and hypochondriac persons, and such as are subject to 
an habitual diarrhoea or dysentery, or to frequent and violent attacks 
of the epilepsy, or who are afflicted with the sor'oplyda, or the 
scurvy-, ought to be cautious in the use of mercury. Where any 
one 'of these disorders prevails* it ought either, if possible, to be 
cured, or at least palliated, before the patient enters upon a 
course of mercury. When this cannot be clone, the mercury must 
be administered in smaller closes, and at logger intervals than 
usual. 

The inept proper seasons for entering Upon a course of mercury, 
me ti e spring and autumn; when the air is of a moderate warmfli. 
If thb circumstances of the case, however, will not admit of delay, 
we must not defer the cure on account of the season, but must ad¬ 
minister the mercury ; taking care at the same time to keep the pa¬ 
tient's chamber warmer or cooler, according as jke season of the 
year requires. 

Ti c next tiling to be c onsidered is the preparation necessary to 
Ire observed before we proceed to a'dministi r a course of niercurv. 
Some lay great stress upon this circumstance, observing, that by 

pre\ iousiv 



OF A CONFIRMED LUES. 


301 


previously relaxing, the vessels, and correcting any disorder which 
irway happen to prevail in the blood, net only the mercury will be 
disposed to act more- kindly, but many other inconveniences will be 
prevented. 

We have already recommended bleeding and gentle purges, pre¬ 
vious to the administration of mercury, and shall only now add, 
that these are always to be repeated according to the-age, strength, 
constitution, and other circumstances of the patient. Afterwards, 
if it can be conveniently done, the patient ought to bathe once or 
twice a-day, for a few days, in‘lukewarm water. His diet in the 
mean time must be light, moist, and cooling. Wine, and all heat¬ 
ing liquors, also violent bodily exercise, and all great exertions of the 
mind, are carefully to be avoided.. 

A proper regimen is likewise to be observed by such’as are under 
a course of mercury. Inattention to this not only'endanger* the 
patient’s life, but often also disappoints him of a cure. A much 
smaller quantity of mercury will be sufficient for the cure of a per¬ 
son who lives low, keeps warm, and avoids all manner of excess, 
than of one who cannot endure to put the smallest restraint upon his 
appetites; indeed it but rarely happens that ..such me thoroughly cu¬ 
red. 

There is hardly any thing of more importance, either .for pre¬ 
venting or removing venereal infection, than cleanliness. By an 
early attention to this, the infection might often be prevented from 
entering the body ; and, where it has already taken, place, its ef¬ 
fects may be greatly mitigated., The moment any person has reason 
to suspect that he has received the infection, he ought to wash.the 
parts with wator and spirits, sweet od, or milk and water ; a>small 
quantity of the last may likewise be injected up the urethra, if it 
Can be conveniently done. Whether this disease at first took its rise 
from dirtiness, is hard to sav ; but wherever that prevails,- the in¬ 
fection is found in its greatest degree of virulence, which gives 
ground to believe, that a strict attention to cleanliness, would go 
far towards extirpating it altogether *, 


VV hen: 


* I ;’have not only often feen a recent infection carried off in a fewrd&vs by 
7 TJea*is of.clsanlinefs, viz. bathing, fomentations, inje&ions, Sx. bin hive 
pkewife found.it of the greateft advantage in the more advanced dares of 
the difeafe. Of this 1 had lady: a very remarkable inftance, in a man \\ h fe 
perns was alrnoft wholly confumed by. venereal ulcers; the matter had been 
allowed to continue on the fores, without any care having been taken to clean 
them, till, notwithftand;ing the ufg of mercury and oilier medicines, it had 
produced the ejects-aiove mentioned.-, 1 ordered warm niilk and wa or to b.e 
inje&ed three or four times a-day into all the linous ulcers, in .order to waih 
out all the matter ; after which they were fluffed with dry lint to afclbrb the frelh 
matter as it was generated.. The patient at the fame time took every day 
half a gram of the corrofive fubfimate.,of mercury, diffoived in an ounce of 
brandy, and .drank an Englilh. quart of the dececiion cA larlaparilla. By 
this treatment in about fix weeks, he was perfectly cured; and, what was 
very remarkable, a part of the penis was ad u ally regenerated. 

Doctor Gixchrift has given an account cf a fpecies of the lues venerea 
which prevails in the welt of Scotland, to which the natives give the name 
ajLSmuiNS or Sivvins, The Dodor obferves, that the fpreading of this 

difeafe 



OF A CONFIRMED LUES. 


When the venereal disease has been neglected, or improperly 
ireaUd‘, it often becomes a disorder of the habit. In this case the' 
.ct’ue must be :; attempted by restorative's, as a milk diet, the decoc¬ 
tion of 'sarsaparilla, and such like, to which mercury may be occa¬ 
sional !y'added. 11 is-rr common practice in North-Britain to Send 
such pabei is to drink goat whey. This is a very proper plan, pro¬ 
vided the infec tion- lias been totally eradicated before hand; but 
ftvhen that is not the case ' and the patient trust's to the whey for fi¬ 
nishing his cure,chef will often be disappointed. I-bave frequently 
‘known the disease return with all its virulence altera course* of goat 
whov,'even when that course h&d been thought quite sufficient for 
.completing the cure. ’ 1 ‘ v - '■ -■ • ‘ t 

One of the most unfortunate circumstances attending patients in 
4his disease, is the necessity they are often laid under of hurrying 
„ the cure. " This induces them to take medicine too fast, and to leave 
•it Off’ too soon. •' A few grains uioieof medicine., or q:few days long¬ 
er confinement, wen Id of teF. be sufficient to perfect the cure; where¬ 
as, by neglect of these, a .small degree- of virulence is still left in 
the humours, 'which gradually vitiates, and at length contaminates 
•the whole mass. • To avoid this, we would advise, that the patient 
should never leave off taking medicine immediately upon the disap¬ 
pearing of the symptoms, but continue it for "sonde time after, gradu¬ 
ally lessening theTjuautity, (it* there is sufficient ground to believe 
•that the'disease is entirely, eradic ated . 

It is not only dittic uU., but absolutely impossible to ascertain the 
-exact degree'of virulence 'that 'may' attend the disease; for which 
reason it will always be a muc h safer rule to continue the use of 
medicine too long; than to reave it off too soon. ’ This seems to be 
the leading ma>:im of a modern practitioner of some note for the ve¬ 
nereal disease, who always orders his patient to perform a quaran¬ 
tine of at least forty days, during which time he takes forty bottles 
of, I suppose, a strong decoction of sarsaparilla; or some other an- 
tivenereal simple. Whoever takes this method, and adds a suffici¬ 
ent quantity of corrosive sublimate, or some other active preparation 
/)f mercury to the decoction, yvilj seldom fail to cure a confirmed 
lues. - - J ; •' a ‘.y- - 

It is peculiarly unfortunate for the cure of this disease, that not 
one in ten of those* who contract it, are either able or willing to 
rubmit to a proper plan of 'regimen. The patient is willing to take 
medicine ; but he must follow hisbusiness, and, to prevent suspi¬ 
cions, Trust eat and drink like '(lie rest of the family. This is the 
true source of nine-tenths of all the mischief arising from tee ve¬ 
nereal disease. I never knew the cureatlended with-any great dif- 
Toilify or danger where the patient strictly followed the physician’s 
;ic vice : but a-volume would not be sufficient to point out the dfead- 
iul consequences which proceed from an opposite conduct,. $chir- 


dtfeafe is chiefly owing to the neglotf of cleaxilmefs, and feems to think, 
that by ciiiei attefittofc to .that: Virtue, it might be extirpated:’ The treatment 
of this difeale is fimiiar to that of a confirmed lues or pox. The yaws, %'■' 
dileafe now very common both in America and the Weft- India iflands, Biay - 
qijo be cured in the fame mamiej*. -■ ■ ■ 


rpus 



BIS EASES OF WOMEN. 



?ons testicles, ulcerous sore throats, madness, consumptions, ca.r.i-y 
us bones, and a rotten progeny, are a few of the blessings derived 
from this source. 

There is a species of false reasoning, with regard to this disease, 
which proves fatal to many.’ A 'person of a sound constitution 
contracts a slight degree of the disorder. He gets well without 
taking any great care, or using much medicine, and hence cone,l.ucles 
that this will always he the case. The next time the disease occurs, 
though ten times more virulent, he pursues the same course, and 
his constitution is ruined. Indeed, the different degrees.of viru¬ 
lence in the small-pox are not greater than in this disease, though, 
as the learned Sydenham observes, in some cases the most skilful 
physicians cannot cure, mid in others the most ignorant old woman 
cai not kill the patient in that disorder. Though a good constitu¬ 
tion is always in favour of the patient, yet too great stress may be 
laid upon it. It does not appear from observation, that the most 
robust constitution is able to overcome the virulence of the venerea! 
contagion, after it has got into the habit. In this case a proper ‘ 
course of medicine is always indispensably necessary. 

Although it is impossible, on account of the different degrees of 
virulence, &c. today down fixed and certain rules for fhe cure of 
this disease, yet the following general plan will always be found’ 
safe, and often successful, viz. to bleed and administer gentle pur¬ 
ges with diuretics during tke inflammatory state, and as soon as the 
symptoms of inflammation are abated, to administer mercury, in any 
form that may be most agreeable to the patient. The same medi¬ 
cine, assisted by the decoction of sarsaparilla, and a proper regimen, 
will not only secure the constitution against, any further progress of 
a confirmed pox, but will generally perform a complete cure. 

• ■ ■ - - - " . . yr ~' . ....—-*■*->- 

. ' J. » - H* 

C H A P, XLVIII. 

1 •• y 7 

DISEASES OF WOMEN. 

W OMEN, in all civilized nations, have the management of 
domestic affairs, and it is very proper they should, as Nature 
has made them less fit for the more active and laborious employments. 
This indulgence, however, is generally carried too far; and females, 
instead of being benefited by it, are greatly injured from the want 
of exercise and free air. To be satisfied of this, one need only com¬ 
pare the fresh and ruddy looks of a milk-maid, with the pale com¬ 
plexion of those females whose whole time is spent within doors. 
Though nature has made an evident distinction between the male 
and female with regard to bodily strength and vigour, \et she cer¬ 
tainly never meant, either that the one should be always without, 
ipr the other always within doors. 


The 



304 OF THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE 

The confinement of females, besides hurting their figure and com-, 
pjexion, relaxes their solids, weakens their minds, and disorders alt 
the functions of fhe/bodv. Hence proceed obstructions, indigesti¬ 
on, flatulence, abortions, and the whole train of nervous disorders. 
These not only unfit women for being mothers and nurses, but often 
render them whimsical and ridiculous. A sound mind depends so 
much upon a healthy body, that where, the latter is wanting, the 
former is rarely to be found.: 

I have always observed that, women who were chiefly employed 
without doors, in the different branches of husbandry, gardening and 
the like,, were almost as hardy as their husbands, and that their 
children were likewise healthy. But as the bad effects of confine¬ 
ment and inactivity upon both sexes have -been already shewn, we 
shall proceed to point out. those circumstances in the structure and 
design of females, which subject them to peculiar diseases; the chief 
of which are their monthly evacuations^ pregnancy and child bearing,, . 
These indeed cannot properly be called diseases, but, from the de. 
licacy of the sex, and their being often improperly managed in such 
situations, they become the source of nymero^s calamities. 


OF ."TilE M.E NSTRUAL DISCHARGE. 

FEMALES;generally begin- to menstruate about the age of fif¬ 
teen, and leave it off about fifty, which renders these two periods 
fhe most critical of tneir. lives. About the first appearance of this 
discharge,, the.con.slitution undergoes a very considerable change, 
generally indeed for the better, though sometimes for the worse. 
The greatest care is now necessary, as the future health and happi¬ 
ness of I he.female depends in a great measure upon her conduct at 
this period*. 


if a girl about this time of life be confined to the house, kept 
constantly sitting, and neither allowed to romp about, nor employ¬ 
ed in any active 1 business, which gives exercise to the whole body, 
she becomes weak, relaxed, and puny; her bjood not being duly 
prepared, she looks pale and wan ;■ her health, spirits, and vigour 
decline, and she sinks into a. valetudinarian for life. Such is the 
fate of numbers of those unhappy females, who, either from too 
much indulgence, or their own narrow circumstances, are, at this 
critical period, denied the benefit of exercise and free air. 

, /A .lazy indoient disposition proves likewise very hurtful fo girls at 
infs period. One seldom meets with complaints from obstructions 


,» -.t t.ie . utv of motnevs, and thofe who are intruded with the education 

rr gn.j, to im.ruu them early in the conduct and management of themfeLes. 
u.t t .is critica peilod of their lives. Falie modefty, inattention, and igno- 
,s beneficial or hurtful at this time, are the fources of many 
i ea cs anc. mistoi tunes in life, which a few fenfible leiTons from an expe;- 
r uc. a matron might have.prevented. Nor is care lels neceffary in,the fub-, 
.lent letdinso. this difeharge. Taking upproper food, violent affections 
<t se mm , or catching cold at this period, is, often fufficieut to ruin the, 
healm, or to rend.er the female everafeer incapable of procreation. 

among 




OF THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE. 


30a 


among the more active and industrious part of the sex ; whereas the 
indolent and lazy are seldom free from thUm. These are m a man¬ 
ner eaten up by the "chlorosis-, or green sickness, and Inker diseases 
of this nature. We would therefore recommend it to all Who wish 
to escape these calamities, to avoid indolence and inactivity, as 
their greatest Enemies, and to be as ‘much abroad in the open'air as 
possible. 

Another thing which proves very hurtful to girls about this peri¬ 
od of life, is unwholesome food. Fond of all ’manner of trash, 
they often indulge in it, till their whole humours are quite vitiated. 
Hence ensue indigestions, want of appetite and a numerous train 
of evils. If the fluids be not duly prepared, it is utterly impossible 
that the secretions should go properly on. 'Accordingly we find, 
that such girls as lead an indolent life, and eat great quantities of 
trash, are not only subject to obstructions of the tnenies, hut like¬ 
wise to glandular cbsructions ; as the scronhtilii, or king’s evil, 
See. ... 

A dull disposition is also very hurtful to girls at this period. It 
is a rare thing to see a sprightly girl who does not enjoy good health, 
while the grave, moping, melancholy creature, proves tire very prey 
of vapours and hysterics. Youth is the season for mirth and cheer¬ 
fulness. ’Let it therefore be indulged. It is ah absolute duty. To 
Jay in a stock of health in time of youth, is as necessary a piece of 

prudence, as to make provision against the decays of old age.- 

While, therefore, w 7 ise Nature prompts the happy y outh to join in 
sprightly amusements* let not the severe dictates of hoary age for¬ 
bid the useful impulse, nor damp, with serious glccm, the season 
destined to mirth and innocent festivity. 

Another thing Very hurtful to females about this period of life, is 
strait clothes. They are fond of a fine shape, and foolishly imagine 
that this can be acquired by lacing themselves tight. Hence, by- 
squeezing the stomach and bowels, they hurt the digest ion, and oc¬ 
casion many incurable maladies. This error is not indeed so com¬ 
mon as it has been ; but, as fashions change, it may come about 
again : we therefore think it not improper to mention it. I know- 
many females, Wdio, to this day, feel the direful effects of that 
•wretched custom which prevailed some years ago, of squeezing 
every girl into as small a size in the middle as possible. Human 
invention could not possibly have devised a practice more destruc¬ 
tive to health. 

After a female has arrived at that period of life when the menses 
usually begin to flow, and they do not appear, but, on the contrary! 
her health and spirits begin to decline, we would advise, instead of 
shutting the poor girl up in the house, and dosing her with steel, 
asafeetida, and other nauseous drugs, to place her in a situation 
where she can enjoy the benefit of fresh air and agreeable company. 
There let her cat wholesome food, take sufficient exercise, and 
am use'herself in the most agreeable manner ; and we have little rea¬ 
son to fear, but Nature, thus assisted, will dp her proper work. 
Indeed she seldom fails, unless where the fault is on our side. 

This 



305 OF THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE 


iUo 


This discharge in the beginning is seldom so instantaneous, as t£> 
Surprise-females unawares, it is generally preceded by symptoms 
.which-•foretel its approach ; as a sense of heat, weighty and , dull, 
pain in the loins; distension anci hardness of the breasts; head-ach ; 
loss of appetite ; lassitude ; -.paleness of the countenance ; and 
rometimesa .slight-degree, of lev.er, ■ When these symptoms appear 
about-the age at winch the-'menstrual flux usually: begins, every 
thing should be carefully avoided which may obstruct.that, necessary 
and salutary evacuation ; and nil means used to promote it pas sit¬ 
ting frequently over the steams of warm water, drinking warm di¬ 
luting.liquors, &fc. .. . . . - ■ • . 

After' the menses, have once begun t6 flow, the greatest care should 
be taken to avoid-every thing that may tend to obstruct them. Fe¬ 
males ought to be exceeding cautious of what .they cat or drink at 
the time they are, out otorder: Every thing that is cold, or apt to spur 
on the stomaclq ought to be avoided ;• astfuit,- butler-milk, and such 
like; Fish, add ah kinds of food .that are hard of digestion, are.ai\o 
to he avoided. As it is impossible to mention every.thing that may 
disagree with individuals at this, time; wre would,recommend it fcp 
every female to be very attentive*-to what disagrees with herself, 
and carefully to avpid d.. , . • . \- 

Cold is extremely hurtful at this particular period. More of the 
sex date their diseases from colds, caught while they are out of or¬ 
der,,',, than from all other causes. This, ought surely to put them up¬ 
on their guard, and ta make them very, circumspect in their con¬ 
duct at such times. A degree of cold that will not in the least hurt 
them at another time, will at this period be sufficient entirely to ruin 
their health and constitution. , . .• 

The greatest attention ought likewise to be paid to .the mind. 
Which should be kept as easy and cheerful as possible. Every part 
of the animal economy is influenced by the passion.s, but none more 
so than this. -Anger, fear, grief, and other affections of the mind, 
often occasion obstructions of tke menstrual flux, which prove ab¬ 
solutely incurable. , > . , ’ , * „ v 

From whatever cause this flux is obstructed; except in the state of 
pregnancy, proper means should be used to restore it. For this pur¬ 
pose we would recommend sufficient exercise, in a dry, open, -^nd 
rather cool air; wholesome diet, and, if tiie body be weak and lan¬ 
guid, generous liquors ; also cheerful company and ail manner of 
amusements. If these fail, recourse must be had to medicine. 

When obstructions proceed from a weak relaxed stale of tire so¬ 
lids, such medicines as tend to promote digestion, to brace the soiids 
and assist the body in preparing good blood, ought to be used. 
The principal of these are iron and the Peruvian bafkj with other 
bitter and astringent medicines. Filings of iron may be infused in 
wine or ale, two or three ounces to an English quart, and after it 
has stood for two or three weeks it may be filtered,' and about half 
a wine glass of it taken twice a-day : or prepared steel may be ta¬ 
ken in the dose of half a drachm, mixed with a lb tie honey or trea¬ 
cle, three or four times a-day. The bark and other bitters may ei¬ 
ther be taken in substance or infusion, as is most agreeable-, to the 
patient. Whei; 





OF THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE. 307 

When obstructions proceed from a vie id state of the blood ; or 
Vi om women of a gross or foil habit, evacuations, and such medicines 
as attenuate the humours, are necessary. The patient in this case 
ought to be bled, to bathe her feet frequently in warm water, to 
take now and ttien a cooling purge, and to live upon a spare thin 
diet. Her drink should dc whey, water, or small beer, and she 
ought to take surhcientoexercise. A tea-spoonful of the tincture of 
black hehebore may also be taken twice a-day in a cup of warm 
water. 

When obstructions proceed from affections of the mind, as grief, 
fear, anger, &c. every method should be taken to amuse and divert 
the patient And that she may the more readily forget the cause of 
her affliction, she ought, if possible, to be removed from the place 
where it happened. A change of place, by presenting the mind 
) with a variety of new r objects, has often a very happy influence in 
relieving it from the deepest distress. A soothing, kind, and affa¬ 
ble behaviour to females ill this situation,, is also of the last impor¬ 
tance. 

An obstruction of the menses is often the effect of oilier maladies. 
When this is the case, instead of giving medicines to force that 
discharge, which might be dangerous, we ought by all means to en¬ 
deavour to restore the patient’s health and strength. When that is 
effected, the other will return of course. 

But the menstrual flux may be too great as well as too small. 
When th.is happens, the patient becomes weak, the colour pale, the 
appetite and digestion are bad, and cedeinaimis swellings of the 
feet, dropsies and consumptions often ensue. This frequently hap¬ 
pens io women about the age of forty-five or fifty, and is very ditli- 
cult to cure. It may proceed from a sedentary life ; a full diet, con¬ 
sisting chiefly of sailed, high-reasoned, or acrid food ; the use of 
spiiltoiis liquors; excessive fatigue; relaxation; a dissolved stale 
of die blood ; violent passions of the mind, &c. 

The treatment of this disease must be varied according to its cause. 
When ii is occasioned by any error in the patient’s regimen, an op¬ 
posite course to that which induced the disorder must be pursued, 
and such ' medicines taken as have a tendency to restrain the flux, 
and counteract the morbid affections of the system from whence it 
proceeds. , . ... 

Td restrain tlie flux, the patient should be kept quiet and easy 
both in ho ly and mind. If it be very violent, she ought to lie in bed, 
with her head low ; to live upon a cool and slender diet, as veal or 
chicken broths with bread; and to drink decoctions of nettle-roots, 
or the greater comfrev. If these be not sufficient to stop the flux, 
stronger astringents may be used, as Japan earth, allum, elixir o£ 
vitriol, the Peruvian bark, &c.* I'lie 

* Two drachms of allum and one of Japan earth may be pounded toge¬ 
ther, and divided into e'gKt m nine dozes, one of which may be taken three 
times a-dav. 

Ferfous whole stomachs cannot hear the allum, may take two table-fpoon- 
fuis of the tincture of roles three or four times a-day, to each dine of which 
ten drcv:s of laudanum may be be added. 

* T t 


If 



OF PREGNANCY 


The uterine flux may offend in qualify as well as in quantify* 
"What is'usually called the fliior (ilbus, or whites, is a very common 


disease, and proves* extremely hurtful to dedicate women, 
ui charge, however, is not always v Lite, but kfeetrmes pale, yellow, 
.-green, or of a blackish colour; sometimes it is sharp and corrosive, 
sometimes foul and fetid, &c. It is attended with a pale complex¬ 
ion, pain in the back, loss of appetite, swelling of the feet, and 
■ other signs of debility- It generally j recceds from a relaxed stale 
of the body, arising from indolenc e, the excessive use of tea, cof- 
ice, or other weak and watery diet 

To remove this disease, the patient'must take as much exercise as 
she cau : War without fatigue. Her food should be solid and nourish¬ 
ing, but of easy digestion ; and her drink rather generous, as reel 
port or claret mixed with Pyrmont,■■Bristol, or lime-water. Tea and 
coffee aie to be avoided. I have often known strong broths have an 
exceeding good effect, and sometimes a milk diet alone will perform 
a cure. The patient ought not to lie too long a-bed. When medi¬ 
cine is necessary, we know none preferable to the Peruvian bark, 
which in this case ought always to be taken in substance. In warm 
weather the cold hath will be of considerable service. 

That period of life at which the y//eases cease to flow, is likewise 
v ery critical to the sex. The stoppage of am customary evacuation, 
however small, is sufficient to disorder the whole frame, and often 
to destroy life itself. Hence it comes to pass, that so many women 
either fall into chronic disorders, or die about this lime. Such of 
them, however, as survive it, without contracting any chronic dis¬ 
ease, often become more healthy and hardy than they were before, 
and enjoy strength and vigour to a very great age. 

If the mewses cease all of a sudden, in women of a full habit, they 
ought to abate somewhat of their usual quantity of food, especially 
of the more nourishing kind, as flesh, eggs, &e. They ought like¬ 
wise to take sufficient exercise, and to keep (lie body open. This 
may be done Ivy taking, once or t\% we a-week, a little rhubarb, or 
an infusion of hiera prera in wine or bidrnly. 

It often happens that women of a gross habit, at this period of 
life, have ulcerous sores break out about their ancles, or in other 
parts of the body, buch ulcers ought to be considered as critical, 
•and should either be suffered to continue open, or have artificial 
drains substituted in their stead. W omen who will have such 
sores dried up, are often soon after carried oil By acute diseases, or 
’ill into those of a chronic nature. 


iai 


O F P II E G JN A N C Y. 

THOUGH pregnancy is not a disease, yet that state is often at¬ 
tended wuh a vanety of complaints which merit attention, and 

If thefe fhoiild fail, half a draclim rf tlie Peruvian hark, in powder, with 
ten drops of the elixir of vitriol may be taken, in a glafs of red wine, four 
crimes a-day. 


which 



OF PREG N A N C Y. 


•^eliich sometimes require assistance of medicine. Seme women in¬ 
deed are mote healthy during their pregnancy than at any other time ; 
but this is by no means the general ease : most of them breed in sar~ 
rmuft fnd are frequently indisposed during the whole time of preg¬ 
nancy. Few fatal diseases, however, happen during that peri¬ 
od ; and hardly any, except abortion, that can be called dangerous,. 
We shall therefore pay particular attention, to it, as it proves gene¬ 
rally fatal to the child, and sometimes to (he mother. 

Pregnant women are often-afflicted with the heart-burn. The 
method of treating this complaint has been already pointed out. 
They ace likewise, in the more early periods of pregnancy, often 
barrassed with sickness and vomiting, especially in. the morning. 
The method of relieving these complaints has also been shewn. 
Both the head-aeh and tooth-ach are very troublesome symptoms of 
pregnancy. The former,- may generally be removed by keeping the 
body gently open, by the use of prunes, figs, roasted apples; and 
suchlike. When the pain is very violent, bleeding may be neces¬ 
sary. For the treatment of the latter, we must refer to that article. 
•Several other complaints incident to pregnant women might be men¬ 
tioned, as a cough, and difficulty of breathing, suppression-anc: in- 
continency of urine, &e.; but as all of these have been taken no¬ 
tice o( before, it is needless to repeat them. 

Every pregnant woman is more or less in danger of abortion* 
This should be guarded against with the greatest care, as it not on¬ 
ly weakens the constitution, but renders the woman liable to the 
same misfortune afterwards *:■ Abortion.may happen at any period 
of pregnancy, but it is most common in the second or third month. 
Sometimes, however, it happens in the fourth or fifth- If it hap¬ 
pens within the first month it is usually called a false conception 
if after the seventh month, the chikl may Ou.cn.be kept alive by pro¬ 
per care. 

The common causes of 'abortion are; the death of the child's, 
weakness or relaxation of the mother; great evacuations ; violent 
exercise; raising great weights ; reaching too high ■; jumping, or 
stepping from an eminence; vomiting; coughing ; convulsion fits 
blows on the belly; falls; fevers; disagreeable-smells; excess of 
blood; indolence; high living, or the contrary ; violent passions^ 
or affections of the mind, as fear, grief, &c. 

The signs of approaching abortion are, pain in- the loins, or-, 
about the bottom of the belly ; a dull heavy pain in the inside of 
the thigh ; a slight degree of coldness, or shivering; sickness, pal¬ 
pitation of the heart; the breasts become fiat and soft; the belly' 
falls; and there is a discharge of blood or watery humours from the • 
womb. 

* Every mother who procures an abortion does it at the hazard cf her life 
yet there are not a few who run this rifle merely- to prevent the trouble of bear¬ 
ing and bringing up children. It is furely" a moll unnatural crime, and can¬ 
not, even in the moll abandoned, be viewed without horror ; but in the de¬ 
cent matron, it is ftill more unpardonable.—Thofe wretches who daily adver- 
tife th-eir affiftance to women in this butir.eIs, delerve, m my opinion, the. 
moA feverecf all human puuifhments.. 


To- 


3jO OF C II I L D - B I R T H. 

To prevent abortion, we would advise women of a weak or re 
Inxed habit to use solid food, avoiding great quantities of tea, and 
other weak and watery liquors ; to rise early and go soon to bed ; 
to shun damp houses ; to take frequent exercise in the open air, but 
to avoid fatigue ; and never to go abroad in damp foggy weather, it 
they can shun it. 

Women o c a full habit ought to use a spare diet, avoiding strong 
liquors, and every thing that'may tend to heat the body, or increase 
the quantity of blood. Their diet should be of on opening nature, 
consisting principally of vegetable substances. Every woman with 
child ought to be kept cheerful and easy in her mind. Her appetites, 
even though depraved, ought to be indulged as far as prudence will' 
permit. 

When any signs of abortion appear, the woman ought to be laid 
in bed on a niattra'ss, with her head low She should be kept quier, 
and her mind soothed and comforted. She ought not to be kept too 
hot, nor to take any thing of a heating nature. Her food should 
consist of broths, rice and milk, jellies, gruels made of oat-meal, 
and the like, all of which''ought to be taken cold. 

If she be able to bear it,The should lose at least half a pound of 
'blood from the arm. Her drink ought to be barley-water sharpened 
with juice of lemon; or she may lake half a drachm of powdered 
nitre, in a cop of water-gruel, every five or six hours. If the wo¬ 
man be seized with a violent looseness, she ought to drink the de¬ 
coction of calcined hartshorn prepared. If she be affected with vo¬ 
miting, let her take frequently two table-spoonfuls of tire saline mix¬ 
ture. In general, opiates are of service; but they should always 
be given with caution. 

Sanguine robust women, who are liable to miscarry at a certain 
time of pregnancy, ought always to he hied a few days before that 
period arrives. By this means, and observing the regimen above 
prescribed, they might often escape that misfortune. 

Though we recommend due care for preventing abortion, we 
would not be understood as restraining pregnant women from their 
usual exercises. This would generally operate a quite contrary way. 
"Want of exercise not only relaxes the'body, but induces a plethora, 
or too great a fulness of the vessels, which are the two principal caus¬ 
es of abortion. There are, however, some women of so dedicate 
a. texture, that it is necessary for them (o avoid almost every kind oi 
■exercise during the whole period of pregnancy. 

OF CIIILD-BIRTH, 

MANY diseases proceed from the want of due care in child-bed; 
^.nd the more hardy part of the sex are most apt to despise the ne¬ 
cessary precautions in this state. This is peculiarly the case with 
young" wives. They think, when the labour-pains are ended, the 
danger is over ; but by truth it may only then be said to-be begun. 
Nature, if left to herself, 1 will seldom fail to expel thefatus; but 
proper care and management' are certainly necessary for the recove¬ 
ry 


i .. v tlie mother. No doubt rm-'Hitef rmy be done bv 'too mach as- 
Aveii as by too fijtta care. H oick feniakts who have the greatest 
mt inner of adtepclaiits m child-bed generally recover worst. But 
tins is not peculiar t(> the-state of clidd-bed. Itxcessive care a!way ; 
defeats us own intention, and ;s generally more dangerous than none- 

. . » f -/i . O J O 

at ail 

During actual labour, nothing of a heating nature ought to be 
gi\ en. The woman may now and then take a little parvdo, arid 
her drink ought to be least and water, or thin- groat gruel Spirits, 
wines, cordial-waters, and other things which are given with a vi?v/ 
to strenglr.en the mother, and promo he the birth, for the most part, 
tend only to increase the fever, inflame the womb, and retard the la¬ 
bour. Besides, they endanger the woman alietwaid-, as they often 
occasion violent and mortal haemorrhage;', or dispose he* to eruptive 
and other fevers. 

Vl hen tire labour proves tedious ami difficult, to -prevent inflhrn- 
malions^ it'yvd! be proper to bleed, An emollient clyster ought like¬ 
wise frequently to be administered ; and {lie patient should sit over 
the steams of warm water. The passage ought to be gently rubbed 
with a little soft pomatum cr fresh butter, and cloths wrtinor out of 
warm water applied over the belly. If nature seems to sink, and 
the woman is greatly exhausted with fatigue, a. draught of .generous 
wine, or some other cordial, may be given, but not otherwise. These 
dire lions are suflicient in natural labours ; and in all preternatural 
cases, a skilful, surgeon, or man-midwife, ought to be called as soon 
as possible. 

After delivery, the woman ought fo bv- kept as quit and easy as 
possible f. Her food should be light and thin, as gruel, pan a do, 
&c. and iier drink weak and diluting. To this rule, however, there 
are many exceptions. I have known several women, whose spirits 
could not be supported in child-bed withou* solid food and gene- 


* Though the management of women in child-bed has been pra&jfed as 
an employment fmee the earlieft accounts of time; yet it is flail in moil coun¬ 
tries on a very bad footing. Few women think of following this employ¬ 
ment till they are reduced to the necefiity of dang it for bread. Hence not 
one in an hundred of them have any education, or proper knowledge 
of their bufinefs. It is true, that Nature, if left to herfelf. will ge-nerallv 
expel the foetus; but itisequally true, that mod women in child bed require 
to be managed with flail and attention, and that- they are often hurt by the 
iuperftitious prejudices of ignorant and ^officious midlives. The rmfi- 
chief done in this way is much greater than is generally imagined; moil of 
which might be prevented by allowing no women to praAife midwifery but 
fuch as are properly qualified. Were due attention paid to this, it would 
not only be the means of favmg many lives, but would prevent the neeeiiky 
of employing men in this indelicate and difagreeable branch o-f medicine, 
which is, on many other accounts, more proper for the other lex. 


f We canr.ot help taking notice of that ridiculous cuftom which flill pre 
vails in fome parts of the country, of cohering a number of women toge¬ 
ther upon fueh occalions. Thefe, initead cf being ufeful, ferve only to 
crowd the lioufe, and obftruA the neceflary attendants. Betides they hurt 
the patient with their noife : and often, by their untimely and impertinent 
advice, do much rmfchiqf. 


TOU5 






KJ JL 1 


t il i LJ 


JL> i. IV 1 ii. 


licmars : to such, a glass of wine and a.bi't of chicken roust fee-* 

alSowed^ 

Soai-etPaves an excessive• hemorrhage-or Soodjng happens after 
dtefe-veirv.. In this case the patient should be laid with her head lovv, 
{kept cool, and be in alt respects treated as for an excessive flux'of 
icliieme/we*. If the flooding proves .violen t, linen dot hs, which have 
feeea: wning out of n mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water, 
<ojt red wine, should bs applied to- the belly, the l >ins, and (he thighs- 


these must be changed as* they grow dry ; and may be discontinued 
soon.as.the flooding abates*. 

If there be violent.pains after delivery, the patient ought to drink, 
pleritrfiillv of warm, di hi ting liquors, as gruel, or tea with a little saf~ 
tawra in*' it ; and to take small broths, with carra way-seeds, or a bit. 
0 ’ff an orange-peel in them; an ounce of the oil of sweet aimonds 
mix y likewise be frequently taken In a cup of an y .o f t he above liquors ; 
ami. iff the patient bo restless, a spoonful oi' the syrup of poppies 
iBtey" mow and there be mixed with a-cup of her drink, if she be hot 
«*r feverish, one of the foliowing powders may be taken in a cup 
her usual drink every five or six hours f* 

An» H.fT-immarfion of the wora-b is a, dangero«s and root {infrequent 
after delivery. It is known by pains in the lower part of 
ft Hr#;- belly, which, are great! vs increased upon touching.; by the ten¬ 
sion! or tigh-f.no is of the parts.; great weakness; change of eo.un- 
Scsnaraee ; a constant fever, with a weak and hard pulse ; a slight cfe- 
iwriiozu or raving; sometimes incessant vomiting; a hiccup; adis- 
c-harge of reddish, stinking, sharp water from the womb ; an indie 
sroiiioro; to go frequently to stool; a heat, and sometimes total sup¬ 
pression of urine-. 

This must be treated like other i ndamrrsatory disorders, by bfretf- 
fAg and plentiful dilution. Tire drink may be thin gruel or bar ley- 
w^eri-n a cup of which half a drachm, oi nitre may Ik? dissolved, 
a-rad taken three or four times a-day. Clysters of warm milk and vva- . 
ffetr must be frequently administered ; and (hebelly should be foment¬ 
ed by cloths wrung out of warne water, or by applying binders idled 
with warm milk and wafer to it 

A suppression of th o lochia, or usual discharges after deliver y,and - 
the milk-fever, must be treated nearly in the same manner as an in 
Jfommalioro of the womb. In all these cases, the safest course h. 
plentiful dilution, gentle evacuations, and fomentations of the part -, 
affected. In the milk-fever, the breasts roiav be embrocated with 
■;s in tie warm linseed-oil* or the leaves of red cabbage may be ap¬ 
plied to them. The child should be often pul to the breast. or it , 
should be. drawn by some other person s 


*' a violent flooding- after delivery„ I have then very good offers from 
the following mixture t Take of penny-royal water, fi tuple cinnamon-water,, 
and iyrnpof poppies*, each two ounces, elixir of vitriol a drachm. Mix, and 
ntke 'wo t aide tpoon fids every two hours, or oft oner, if neeefiary. 

j Take of evahs claws prepared hal-fan ounce, pur died nitre two drachms^ 
fhfiron powdered half a drachm; rub tkenx together iu a mortar, and divide 
the whole info* eight or nine d-wesr. 

When the patient is low Spirited^ or troubled with hvfieriea! complaints,, 
ought to lake freqyentljr twelve or fifteen drops of the ttn&ure of afafse> 
tidadto x ct’p of penny-rejutf tea. Nothing; 


; -0 l 7 HILD-BIRT II. $13 


Not hing ’vV6'uld tend more to prevent live milk-fever than 
- lie child early to the breast. The custom -of r.ot allowing dfiiibc?* 
to suck for ihe first • two or three days, is contrary to Nature auxH 
common souse, and is very hurtful both to the mother ami s ink). 


Every mother who has milk in her breasts, ought either to vudHe 
her own child, or to -have her breasts frequently drawn, at least fer 
the first month. This would prevent many of the diseases voirirk 
prove fatal to women in child-bed. 

When an inflammation happens in the breast, attended with red*- 
nesss, hardness, and other symptoms of suppuration, the safest 
plication is u poultice of bread and milk, softened with oil orfiredh 
butter. ' This may be renewed twice a-day, till the tumour be ei their 
discussed of brought to suppuration. The use of repellents, in tbes 
base, is very dangerous ; they often occasion fevers, and sometimes 
cancers; whereas a suppuration is seldom attended with any danger,, 
-and has often the most salutary effects. 

When the nipples are fretted or chapf, they mav be anointed with 
ea. mixture of oil ami bees-wax, or a little powdered gum-arable may 
be sprinkled on them. I have seen Hungary water-applied to the 
nipples have a very good effect. Should the complaint prove obfEq¬ 
uate, a cooling purge may be given, which generally removes it. 

The miliary fever is a disease incident to women in child-beck 
but as it has been treated of already, we shall take no farther notice 
of it. The celebrated Hoffman observes. That this lever of 'child¬ 
bed women might generally be prevented, if they, during (heir preg¬ 
nancy, were regular in their diet, used moderate exercise, took 
now and then a gentle laxative of manna, rhubarb, or cream of 
tartar ; not forgetting to bleed in the first months, and to avoid all 
sharp air. When the labour is coming on, it is not to be hastened 
nvith forcing medicines, which inflame the blood and humours, or 
put them into unnatural commotions. Care should be taken, after 
the birth, that the natural excretions proceed regularly; and if the 
pulse be quick, a little nitrous powder, or some other cooling me¬ 
dicines, should be administered. 

The most fata! disorder consequent upon delivery is the puerpe¬ 
ral, or child-bed fever. It generally makes its attack upon the se¬ 
cond or third day after delivery. Sometimes indeed it comes tm 
sooner, and at other times, though rarely, it does not appear before 
the fifth or sixth day. 

It begins like most other fevers, with a cold or shivering fib 
which is succeeded by restlessness, pain of the head, great sickness 
at the stomach, and bilious vomiting. The puhe is generally quied 
the tongue dry, and there is a remarkable depression ol spirits am* 
loss of strength, A great pain is usually felt in the back, hips, and 
region of the womb ; a sudden change in the quantity or quality of 
the lochia also takes place; and the patient is frequently troubled 
with a tenesmus , or constant inclination to go to stool. A he urine* 
which is very high coloured, is discharged in small quantity, and ge¬ 
nerally with pain. The belly sometimes swells (o a considerable 
bulk, and becomes susceptible of pain from the slightest touch, 

s, the symptoms of in- 
ijuJiuuitiivty 


When the fever has continued for a few da) 


u 


O F C II I L D - B I R T II. 


Iftammalton usuajty subside, and (he disease acquirer a more putrid 
form. At: this<periocb if not sooner, a bilious or putrid looseness, 
of: an obstinate and dangerous nature, comes on, and accompanies 
the- disease lluwigh aii .its future progress. 

There i: not any .-disease that requires to be treated with more 
skill atid attention than this-; consequently the best assistance ought 
always to be obtained as soon as possible, in women of plethoric 
consntuiions, bleeding w ill generally be proper at the beginning; 
it oit^hr however to be u 'ed v with cruticn, and not to be repeated 
unless wljere-the signs (if inflammation rise high ; in which case it 
will also he necessary to 'apply a. blistering-plaster to. the region of 
the womb. 

During the rigour, or cold fit, proper means should be used ic* 
abate its violence and shorten its duration. For this purpose the pa¬ 
tient may drink, freely of warm diluting liquors, and, if low, mav 
taste now and then a.cup of wine whey ; warm applications to lire 
extremities, as heated Bricks, bottles or Bladders filled with warm 
water., and such like, .may also be owed with advantage, 

Emollient ’clysters of milk and water, or of chicken, water, ought 
(•o- be frequently, administered through the course of the disease. 
These prove beneficial by promoting a discharge from the intestines, 
and. aDo by -acting as- a/kindly ioipentatiyh. to (he womb and parts 
abjured.. Great cafe however is .requisite in giving them, on ac¬ 
count of the tenderness gf the parts in the .pdvis at this time. 

To evacuate the*>ifendingbile from the stomach, a vdroit is.general 
ly given. But as this is apt to increase the irritability of the stomach, 
a-Jr.cad.y too greag it evil! be safer to omit it, and,to give in its stead 
rngemb laxative, winch will both tend to cool the body, and to pro¬ 
cure a- -fr-ee-d-i-.charge of the bile*. 

The* medicine which I have always found to succeed best in this 
disease T the. saii-ne draught. Thig if frequently repeated, will of¬ 
ten.put-r. stop to the vomiting, and at the same time lessen the vio¬ 
lence of- the fever. If it runs oh by stool, or ir the patient he rest¬ 
less, a:few drops of iaudamim, -or some syrup of poppies, nia.v'oc¬ 
casionally be added. 

If the stools should prove so frequent as to weaken and exhaust 
the- patient, a starch clyster, with thirt y or forty drops of laudanum 
in it,, rnay. be ministered as. occasion shall require; and the drink 
may be nee-wrier, in every English pint of which half an ounce of 
gam-ar?lic has been dissolved. Should these f ail, recourse must'he 
bad io •(Joiuiidoo-noot, or some other strong astringent 

Though in genera ., the food ought to be light, and'the drink dilu t¬ 
ing, yet when the disease has {seen long -protracted, and the patient 
ns greatly spent by ev aerations, it will be necessary to support her 
with nourishing diet arid generous cordials. 

It w.as observed that this fever, after continuing for sometime, of 
is it acquires a putrid form, in tlfi-s qase the Peruvian bark must be 

Mid wives to be wry cautious iu a c! mini ft.- ring vomits or purges 

*:n women in child-bed. I have known a woman who was recovering ex- 
toxrnfby veil, thrown into the m .ft imminent danger, by a ftroug purge 
wiliiicii. \v-ls given her b} an ofikious midv/ife. riven 



OF BARRENNESS. 


" ~ r.*Xy 

315 


f'*ven, either by itself, or joined with cordials, as circumstances 
'^nay require.. As. the bark , in substance will,be.apt to purge, it 
may be given.in decoction, or infusion mixed with the tincture of 
roses, or other gentle'astringents; or, a scruple of the extract of 
bark wjth:half an ounce of spirituous, cinnarnon-vyaler, two ounces 
ot common water* and ten drops of laudanum, may be made into a 
draught, and given every second, third, or fourth hour, as shall be 
found necessary. r . ,, ; . 

When the, stomach will not bear any kind of nourishment, the 
patient may be supported for tome time by clysters of beef-tea, or 
chicken-water.,. . , • . > 

To avoid this fever, every woman inchild-lfed ought to be kept 
perfectly easy; her food should be light and simple, and her bed¬ 
chamber cool, and properly ventilated. There is not any thing 
more hurtfufto a wtpman in this situation.than being kept too warm. 
She ought not to have her body bound too tight, nor to rise too soon 
from bed after delivery ; Catching cold is also to be avoided ; and a 
proper attention should be paid to cleanliness. 

To prevent the milk-fever, the breasts ought frequently to be 
drawn; and if they are filed previous to the onset of a fever, they 
should, upon its first appearance, be-drawn, to prevent the mi lie 
from .becoming acrid and its, beingubsorbed in this state. Costive¬ 
ness is likewise to be avoided. , This will be best effected by the 
use of mild clysters and.a laxative diet. , ,. 

We. shall conclude our observations on child-bed women by re¬ 
commending it to them, above all things, to beware of cold. Poor 
women, whose circumstances oblige them to quit their bed too 
soon, often contract diseases from cold, of which they never re¬ 
cover. It is a pity the poor are not better tdken care of in this situ¬ 
ation. •. .. ' , , . > 

But the better sort of women run the greatest hazard from too 
much heat,- They are generally kept in a sort of bagnio for the first 
eight or ten days, and then dressed out to see company. The danger 
of this conduct must be obvious to every one. 

• The superstitious custom of obliging women to Keep the house 
till they go to church, is likewise a very common cause of catching 
cold. Ail churches are damp, and most of the«i cold ; consequent¬ 
ly they arc tire very worstplqces to which a woman can go to make 
her first visit, after having begjn confined in a warm room for a 
month. 


OF BA R R E N N E S S. 

7 }/ ‘ - ‘ ; * 

BARRENNESS may be very properly reckoned among the dis¬ 
eases of females, as few married women who have not children en¬ 
joy a good stale of health. It may proceed from various c auses, as 
high living, grief, relaxation, &c. but it is chiefly owing to an ob¬ 
struction or irregularity ol the menstrual flux. 

It is very certain that high living vitiates the humours, and pre- 
vent', fecundity. We seldom find a barren woman among the ia= 


}' 


ov'Jrigrx 









316 


DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 


souring p.o; 

O l 


or, wlfle nothing is more' common among the rit’b and 
ailment. The inhabitants of every country are prolific in proportion 
to their pow.ry ; and it would bean easy rnatiei to adduce many 
instance-: of women, who, by being reduced to live entirely upon 
a milk and vegetable diet, have conceived • and brought forth 
children, though they never had any before. Would the rich use 
the same sort of food and exercise as the better sort of pea<ants,they 
would *seldoriri havecause to envy ther poor cassals and dependants 
the blessing of a numerous and healthy offspring, while thev pine 
in sorrow for the want of*even a sir/fhi.heir to their extensive.de- 

‘G v • ’*• , ' 

•mains. 

Affluence begets •indolence, which not only vitiates the humours, 
but induces a general relaxtion of the Solids.; a state highly unfa¬ 
vourable to procreation. To remove this, we would recommend the 
following course; First, -sufficient ex ere he in the open air; second¬ 
ly, a diet consisting chiefly of milk and vegetables thirdly, the use 
of astringent medicines as steel, ailum, dragon's b ( ood, elixir of vi¬ 
triol, the Spaw or Tunbridge* waters, Peruvian bark, ,&c.; and 
lastly, above all, the cold bath. 

Biirrennec' ? is often the consequence of -grief, sudden -fear,• anxie¬ 
ty, or any of £he passions whic h tend to ©b--trued the menstrual flux. 
When barrenness is suspected to proceed from affections of the mind 
the person ought to be kept as easy and cheerful as possible ; ail dis-. 
agieeble objects are to be avoided, and-every method-taken to.amwise 
and enter cam the iar.cv. 


V C II A P; DLIX. 
DISEASES OF G III L D REN 


M iserable indeed is the lot of man in the state of infancy! 

He comes into the world more helpless than any other ani¬ 
mal, and stands much longer in need of the protection and care of 
his parents; but, alas! this care is not,always bestowed-upon him; 
and when it is, he often suffers as much from' improper management 
-as he would have done from neglect. Hence the officious care of 
parents, nurses, and npdivives, becomes one of the most fruitful 
sources of the disorders of infants f. It 

* Dr.Chcyne evers, that want of chil ben u oftencr the fault cf the male 
than of the female, and ftrongly recommends a md.'c and vegetable diet to 
the former as well as the latter ; adding, that his friend Dr. Taylor, whom 
he calls the Milk-do&O:- of Croydon, had brought fundfy opulent families in 
liis neighbourhood,-who had continued fome \ears after marriage without 
progeny, to have feveral hue children, by keeping both parents, for a-ecu- 
liderable time, to a milk and vegetable diet. 

t Of the officious and ill-judged care of mulwives, we (hall adduce or.lv 
one mffancc, viz. the common practice of torturing infants, by lbueezing 

• their 





317 


DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 

if must be obvious to every attentive person, that the first disea-, 
es of children arise chiefly from their bowels. Nor is this in the 
least to be wondered at, as they are in a manner poisoned with in¬ 
digestible drugs and improper diet as soon as they'come into the 
world. Every thing that the,stomach cannot digest rr.sv be consi¬ 
dered as a poison ; and unless it can be thrown up, or voided by 
.tool, it must occasion .sickness, gripes, spasmodic affections of the 
bowels, or what the good women call inward fits, and at last con¬ 
vulsions and death. 

As these symptoms evidently arise from.somewhat 11.at irritates the 
intestine?, doubtless the proper method of cure must be to expel it 
as soon as possible. The most safe and effectual method of 
Doing this is by gentle vomits, five or six grains of the powder of 
ipecacuanha may he mixed in two table-spodnfuls of water, and 
sweetened with a little sugar. A tea-spoonful of tins may he given 
to the infant every, .quarter of an hour till it operates; or, What will 
more certainly answer the purpose, a grain of emetic tartar mav Ire 
dissolved in three ounces of water, sweetened with a little s\iup, 
and given as above. Those who are willing to* use the emetic tar¬ 
tar, may give six or seven drops of the antimonial wine, in a tea- 
spoonful of water or thin gruel. Small dozes of the ipecacuanha 
wine will he found more gentle than any of the above, and ought 
to be preferred. 

These medicines will not only cleanse the stomach, but will gene¬ 
rally likewise open the body. Should this however not happen, and 
if the child be costive, some gentle pufge will be necessary: for 
this purpose, some manna and pulp of cassia may be dissolved in 
boiling water, and given in small quantities till it operates; or. 
what will answer rather better, a few grains of magnesia alba may 
be mixed in any kind of food that is given to the child, and conti- 
nued till it has the desired effect. If these medicines be properly- 
administered, and the child’s belly and limbs frequently rubbed with 
a warm hand before the ffre, they will seldom fail to relieve those 
affections of the stomach and bowels from which infants suffer so 
much. 

These general directions include most of what can be done for 
relieving the internal disorders of infants. They will likewise go 
a considerable way in alleviating those, which appear externally, as 
the rash, gum, o rfe/'on, &c. These, as was formerly observed, are 
principally owing to too hot a regimen, and consequentlywiii be 
most effectually relieved by gentle evacuations. Indeed, evacuati¬ 
ons of one kind or other constitute a principal part of the medicine 

their breads, to draw off" the milk, as they callat. Though ■% fmall quantity 
of moiflure is generally found in the breafls of infants, yet, as they are 
certainly not intended to give fuck, this flight never to be drawn off. I have 
feen this cruel operation bring on hardnefs, inflammation, and fuppuration 
of the breads; but never knew any ill cenfequences from its being omitted. 
When the breafts are hard, the only application that we would recommend, 
is a foft poultice, ora little of the diachylon plafler, fpread thin upon a hit 
of foft leather, about the fize of half a crown, and applied ever each nip-' 
pie. Thefe may be fuffered. to continue till the hardnefs difappears. 

of 








of infants and will seldom, if administered with prudence, in anjf^ 
of their diseases; fail to give relief, '• < • • 

OF THE M E C ON I U M. 

THE stomach and bowels of a new-born infant .are filled with a 
Tblarkish coloured matter of the consistence of syrup,commonly call- 
<ed th e i/ieconium: This is generally passed soon alter the birth, by - 
the mere'effort of Nature ;’ in which case it is iflbt necessary to give 
the infant any kind of med cine. But if it should'be retained, or 
jiot sufficiently carried’off, a Tittle manna or magnesia alia rixay be 
given as mentioned above ; or, if these should fiot be at' hand, a 
common spoonful of whey,' sweetened with a little honey, or raw 
Migar, will-answer the purpose, - * ■ ' • 

The most proper medicine for expelling the meconium is the mo¬ 
ther’s milk, which is always at first of a purgative quality. Were 
children allowed (o suck as soon as they shew an inclination for the' 
breast, they would seldom have otcasion for medicines to discharge 
the meconium; but even where this is not allowed; they ought never 
to have daubs of syrup, oils, and other indigestible stuff, crammed' 
clown their throats. . .;. . < 

THE API IT! I/E OR THRUSH. 

THE aphtha? are little whitish ulcers affecting the whole inside 
of the l’noutli, tongue, throat, and stomach of infants. Sometimes 
they reach through the whole intestinal canal; in which case tbey^ 
are very dangerous, and often pat an end to the.infant's life. 

If the aphtha?'are of a pale colour, pellucid, few in number, soft* 
superficial, and fall easily off, they are not dangerous; but if opake,.- 
yellow, brown, black, thick, or running together, they ought to be 
Treaded. • • ’ " •**••* ’ ' ; r ' * 

• It is generally thought that the. aphtha? owe their origin to acid 
humours ; we have reason however to believe, that they are more 
frequently owing to too hot a regimen both of the mother and child. 
3t is a rare thing to find a child who i$ not dosed with wine, punch, 
cinnamon-Waters, or some other hot and inflaming .liquors, almost 
as soon as it is born, it is well known that these will occasion in¬ 
flammatory disorders even in adults; is it any wonder then that they 
should heat and inflame the tender bodies of infants, and set as it 
were the whole constitution on a blaze ? 

The most proper medicines for the aphtha? are vomits, such as 
have been already recommended, and gentle laxatives. Five grains 
of rhubarb and half a drachm- of mhgueda alba may be rubbed toge- 
iher, and c.ivided into six doses*, one of which may be given to the 
infant every four or five hours til! they operate. These powders 
may either be given in the child’s food, ora little of the syrup of 
pale roses, and may be repeated as often as is found necessary t G 


O F A CIDITI E S. 


319 


FOGp the body open. It is common in this case to administer calc¬ 
ine 1; but as that medicine sometimes occasions gripes, it ought al¬ 
ways to be given to infants with caution. 

Many things have been Recommended tor gargling the month and 
throat in this disease*,', but it is nor easy to apply these in very young 
children ; we ‘would therefore' rec'vnmheml it to the nurse to rub the 
child*' mouth frequentlywith a little hofax aiiti iiciviey-; or with the 
following mixture : Take fine honey an 'ounce, borax a drachm, 
bung ailum half a drachm, rose-water two drachms; mix them t : e^ 
gether. A very proper application in this case, is a solution of ten 
or twelve grains of white vitriol in eight ounces of barley-water. 
These may be applied with the finger, or by means of a bit of soft 
rag tied U> the end <>t a pro Ire, 


o F A CIDITI i: s. 


THE food of children being for the most part of an acesrent na¬ 
ture, it readily turns sour upon the stomach, especially if the body 
be any way disordered. Hence most diseases of children are ac¬ 
companied with evident signs of acidity, as green stools, grip^s/Szc. 
These appearances have induced many to believe, t hat all the diseases 
of children were owing to an acid abounding in the stomach and 
bowels; but whoever considers the matter attentively, will find 
that these symptoms of acidity are oftener the effect than the cause 
of their diseases. 

Nature evidently intended that the food of children should be, 
yi.cescent; and unless the body be disordered, or the digestion hurt, 
from some other cause, we will venture to sav, that the acescent 
qualify of their food is seldom injurious to them Acidity, howe¬ 
ver, is often a symptom of disorders in children, and, as it is some¬ 
times a troublesome one, we shall point out the method of relieving 
it. 

When green stools, gripes, purgings, sour smells, &c. shew that 
the bowels abound with an acid, let (he child have a little small broth, 
with light white bread in it; and it should have sufficient exercise in 
order to promote the digestion. It has been customary in this case 
to give the pearl-julep, chalk, crabs eyes, and other testaceous pow¬ 
ders. These, indeed, by their absorbent quality, may correct the 
acidity ; but they are attended wdh this inconvenience, that they 
are apt to lodge in the bowels, and occasion costiveness, which may 
prove very hurtful to the infant. For this reason they should never 
be given unless mixed with purgative medicines ; as rhubarb, 
manna, and such like. 

The best medicine whicli we know in all cases of acidity, is that 
fine insipid powder called magnesia ri'ba. It purges, and at the same 
time corrects the acidity: by which means’it not only removes the 
disease, but carries off its cause. It may be given in any kind of 
food, or in a mixture, as recommended in the Appendix*. 


See Appendix, Laxative absorbent Mixture. 


When • 



S'20 


GALLING AND' EXCORIATION; 


When p i) infant is troubled with gripes, it ought not at first to be • 
dosed with brandy, spiccries,and other hot things; but should have 
its body opened with an emollient clyster, or the medicine mention¬ 
ed above; anil at the same time a little brandy may be rubbed on 
its belly with a warm .hand before the fire. I have s-eldom seen this 
fail to ease die gripes of infants. If it should happen, however, 
not to succeed, a little brandy or other spirits may be mixed 
with thrice the quantity of warm.water, and a tea-spoonful of it 
given frequently til! the infant be easier. Sometimes a little ^pep¬ 
permint .water wi-U answer this purpose very well. 


GALLING' AND; EXCORIATION;, 

^ TITFSEi are very troublesome to children. They happen ehiefiy 
about ike groin and wrinkles of the neck, under the arms, behind 
the ears, and in other parts that are moistened by the sweat or 
urine. 

As there complaints are, in a great measure, owing to want of 
cleanliness, the most effectual means of preventing them, are, to 
wash the parts frequently with cold water, to change the linen of¬ 
ten, and, in a word, to keep- the child in all respects thoroughly 
clean. When this is not sufficient, the, excoriated parts may be 
sprinkled with absorbent or drying powders ; as burnt hartshorn, 
tutty, chalk, crabs claves prepared, and the likg. When the parts 
affected are very sore, and tend to a real ulceration, it will be pro¬ 
per to add a little sugar of lead to the powders ; or to anoint the 
place with the camphorated ointment.- If the parts be washed with 
spring-water, in which a little whiie vitriol lias been dissolved, it 
will dry and heal them very powerfully. One of the best applica¬ 
tions for f his purpose, is to dissolve some fuller's earth in a. sufficient 
quantity of hot water ; and after it has stood till it is cold#, to rub it 
gently upon the galled parts, once or twice a-day. 


STOPPAGE OF THE NOSE. 

The nostrils of infants are often plugged up with a grossv mucus.,.. 
which prevents their breathing freely, and likewise renders it diffi¬ 
cult for them to suck or swallow. 

Some in this case order, after a suitable purge, two or three grains 
of white vitriol dissolved in half an ounce of mai Jorum-water, and 
filtered, to be applied now and then, to the nostrils with a linen rag. 
Wedelius says. If two grains of w hite vitriol, and the same quantity 
of dalerimn* he dissolved in half an ounce of marjoram-water, and 
applied to the nose, as above directed, that it brings away theaMKcwj 
without sneezing. 

In obstinate cases these medicines may be tried ; but I have never 
found anything necessary, besides nibbing t|ie nose at. bed-time: 

with 


i 




'with a little sweet oil, or fresh butter. This resolves the filth, and 
Tenders the breathing more bee*. 

O F 'V O M I T I N G. 

From the delicate state of children , and the great sensibility"of 
their organs, a vomiting or looseness may be induced by any thing 
that irritates the nerves of the stomach or intestines. Hence these 
disorders are much more common in childhood, than in the more ad¬ 
vanced periods of life. They are seldom however, dangerous, atod 
ought never to be considered as diseases, unless when they are 
violent, or continue so long as to exhaust the strength of the pa¬ 
tient. , 

Vomiting may be excited by an over-quantity of food; by t >o 1 
that is of such a nature as to irritate the nerves of the stomach too 
much*; or by the sensibility of the nerves being so much increased 
as to render them unable to bear the 1 stimulus of even the milder 
element. 

When vomiting is occasioned bv too much food, it ought to be 
promoted, as the cure will depend upon cleansing the stomach. 
This may be done either by a few grains of ipecacuanha, or a weak, 
■solution of emetic tartar, as mentioned before. When it is owing 
to food of an acrid or irritating quality* the diet ought to be changed, 
and aliment of a milder nature substituted in its stead. 

When vomiting proceeds from an increased degree of sensibility, 
or too great an irritability of the nerves of the stomach, such medi¬ 
cines as have a tendency to brace and strengthen that organ, and do 
abate its sensibility, must be used. The first of these intentions mav 
be answered by a slight infusion of the Peruvian bark, with the ad¬ 
dition of a little rhubarb and orange-peel; and the second by the 
saline draughts, to which a few drops of liquid laudanum may be 
occasionally added. 

In obstinate vomitings the operation of internal medicines may be 
assisted by aromatic fomentations made with wine, applied warm 
to the pit of the stomach; or the use of the stomach-plaster, with 
the addition of a little Thcriaca. 

OF A LOOSE N E S S. 

• 

A LOOSENESS may generally be reckoned salutary when the 
stools are sour, slimy, green* or curdled. It is not the discharge, 
but the production of such stools, which ought to be remedied, fi¬ 
ve n where the purging is thin and watery, it ought not to be check¬ 
ed too suddenly, as it often proves critical, especially when thecbild 
has caught cold, or an eruption on the skin has disappeared. Some- 

* Some nurfes remove this cemploint by fucking the child’s nofe. This 
is by no means a cleanly operation ; but when nurfes have the reiblution tor 
•do it, I am far from difeouragihg the nr aft ice. 


times 



3-70 


O S E R U P T I O X h 


times an evacuation of this kind succeeds a humid stale of the at¬ 
mosphere, in which (ase it may also prove of advantage, by carry¬ 
ing off a quantity of watery humours, which would oilier wise tend 
to relax the habit. . „■■■;: ~ y ■ ’’ 

As the mine!pal intention of the cure of a looseness is fn evaru: 

f f . * . . , 

ate the of]ending matter, it is c ustomary to give the patient a gentle 
vomit of. ipecacuanha, and after wards to exlnbit small and frequent 
doses of rim barb ; interposing absorbent medicines, to mitigate the 
acrimony of the humours. The best purge, however,, in this case, 
is mugitesht alb*u , It is at tire same time absorbent and laxative, and 
operates without exciting gripes. , , . .. 

The an!imoniai Vine, which acts both as an emetic and purge, 
is also an excellent medicine in. thisca-e. By be nig diluted with 
water, it may be proportioned to the weakest .constitution-; and, 
not being/ disagreeable to the palate, it -may be repeated,as-often as 
(K'tasic-'ii I'Ccjuires. -Even one dose will frequently mitigate the dis- 
ease, and pave the way for the use of absorbents. Ifj however, the 
patient's strength will permit; the medicine ought to be repeated 
every six or eight hours, till the stools begin to assume a more natu¬ 
ral appearance; afterwards.a longer space may be allowed to inter- 
■e erie between the,doses. When it is necessary to, repeat the medi¬ 
cine frequently, the dose ought always to be a bide increased, as its 
eff cacy i-t generally diminished by use. 1 

Some upon the iirst appearance oi a looseness fly immediately to 
to the use of absorbent medicines and astringents.. If these- be ad- 
mmi-leied before the oil ending humours are discharged, though, the 
disease may appear to be mitigated for a liltlti time, it soon after- 
>^rds breaks forth w ith greater violence, and often proves fatal. 
Alter proper evacuations, however, these medicines may be admi¬ 
nistered with considerable advantage. 

biiOit id any grip mgs or restlessness remain after the stomach and 
bowels have been cleansed, a Lea spoonful of the syrup of poppies, 
may be given in a little simple cinnamon water, three or lour timer 
a-day, till these sy mptoins have ceased. 


O F E R U P T I O X S, 


CHILDREN, wdiileon the breast, arc ,eMom free from ervp 
tie ns of one kinder other,- These, however, me not often danger 
ous, and.ought never to be dried up but with the gieaiest. caution. 
They tend tofr* e the bodies of infants from hurtful humours, which, 
if retained., might produce fata! 'disorders. 

The eruptions of chilereii are c hiefly owing to improper food ami 
neglect of cleanliness. If a child be stalled at all hours with food 
that its stomach is not able to digest, such food, not being properly’ 
assimilated, instead of nourishing the .body, /ills it-with gross hu>. 


inours. 


j hese mu t either break out q»..form of eruptions upon tne* 
.Tin, or remain in the body, and occasion levers and other internaf 
disorders.' That neglect of cleanliness'is a very general canse.ot 

eruptive 



6 F E R tJ P T I O FI S. 


■4 


eruptive disorders, must be c>bvious to every one. Tie children 
of the poor, and of ail who despise cleanliness, are almost.con** 
stanlly found to swarm with vermin, and are generally covered with 
the scab, itch,, and other eruptions. . r, 

When eruptions, are the effect of improper food, or want of 
cleanliness, a ptcpet attention to these alone will generally be suffi¬ 
cient to remove them. If this should not be the case, some drying 
medicines will be necessary. When they are applied, the body 
ought at tire same time to be kept open, and cold is carefully to be: 
avoided. We knovv.no medicine that is more safe for drying up cu¬ 
taneous eruptions than sulphur, provided it be prudently u^eci. A 
little of the flour of sulphur may be mixed with fresh butter, oil, or 
-hog's lard, and the parts affected frequently touched with it.. 

The most obstinate of all the eruptions incident to children, arc> 
the tuua capitis, or scabbed head, and chilblains. The scabbed head 
.is often exceeding difficult to cure, and sometimes indeed, the cure: 
proves worse than the disease. I have frequently known chilrhen 
seized with interna! disorders, of which they died .soon a; ter their 
scabbed heads had been healed by the application of drying me-, i- 
eines *. . The cure ought always first to be attempted by .keeping 
the head very clean, cutting off the hair, combing and brushing away 
the scabs, &c. If this is not sufficient, bet the .head be. shaved once: 
a-week, washed daily with <-oap suds, and gently anointed with a 
liniment made of train oil eigtit ounces, red precipitate, in .fines 
powder, one drachm. And if there be proud flesh, it should be: 
touched> with a bit of blue vitriol, or sprinkled, vyith a little burnt al~ 
Jum. .. While these things are doing, the pa'ient must be confined 
to a regular fight diet, the body should be kept gently open ; antjl 
cold, as far as possible, ought to be avoided. To prevent any bad 
consequences, from slopping,this discharge, it will be proper, espe¬ 
cially in children of a gross habits to make an issue in the .neck or 
arm, which may be kept open till the patient becomes more strong, 
and the constitution be somewhat mended. 

Chilblains commonly attack children in cold weather. They are 
generally occasioned by the feet or . hands being kept long wet or 
cold, and afterwards suddenly heated. When children are 
cold, .instead of taking, exer.Oise to vyarfci themselves gradually, 
thev run to the fire. This occasions a sudden rarefaction of ihe 

* I fometime ago faw a very .ffrlldng mftance of the danger of •fubflitut* 
ing drying medicines m the place of clean! inefs and whclefoiffe foqd, in the 
Foundling Hof]ntal at Ackworth, where the children were gnevo.uily atHi<3> 
<ed with fcabbed heads, ar.d oth^v cutaneous diforde/s. Upon inquiry it was 
found, that very little attention was paid either to the propriety or ibundnefs 
of their proyifipns, and that cleanlinefs.was totally negle&ed ; accordingly it 
was adyifed, that, they fhould have -more wliblefome food, and be kept tiio» 
roughly clean. This advice, however, was not followed. It was too trou- 
blelome to the fervants, iuperintendants, &c. r i he buhnefs was to be done 
by medicine ; which was accordingly attempted, but. had nearly proved fatal 
to the -whole houie. Fever>, and other internal difnrders immediately ap.- 
peared, and at length a putrid dyfentery, which proved fo infectious, that 
}t carried off a great many of the children, and fpread bye/ ?- conliaeraLi* 
£sn of the neighbouring countryi ' . h . . . k 

J)l umpjjnys. 


Y v 

St* 







324 


0 Y T II E C R O U P. 


humour', and an infarction of the vessels: which being often repeated, 
the vessels are at last over-distended, and forced to give way. 

To prevent it, violent cold. sLnd sudden heat must be equally 
avoided. When the parts begin to look red and swell, tlie patient 
ought to be purged, ami to have the affected parts frequently rub¬ 
bed with mustard and brandy, or something of a wanning nature. 
They ought likewise to be covered with flannel, and kept warm and 
dry. Some apply warm ashes between cloths, to the swelled parts, 
which frequently help to reduce them. When there is a sore, it 
must be dressed with Turner’s cerate, the ointment of tutty, the. 
plaster of cerus, or some other drying ointment. These sores are 
indeed troublesome, but seldom dangerous. They generally heal 
as soon as the warm weather sets in. 


O F T H E C ROUP. 

CHILDREN are'often seized very suddenly with this disease, 
which, if not quickly relieved, proves mortal. It is known hy va*- 
rious names in different parts of Britain. On the east coast of Scot¬ 
land it is called the c;v;«/>. On the west they call it the chock or 
stiffing. Jn some parts-ot England, where I have observed it, the 
good women call it the rising of the lights. It seems to lie a species 
of asthma , attended with very acute and violent catarrhal symptoms. 

This disease generally prevails in cold and wet seasons. It is 
most common upon the sea-coast, and in low marshy countries. 
Children of a gross and lax habit are most liable to it. I have 
sometimes know n it hereditary. It generally attacks children in the 
night, after hav ing been much exposed to damp cold easterly winds 
through the day. Damp houses, wet feet, thin shoes, wet clothes, 
oranv thing dial obstructs the perspiration, may occasion the croup. 

It is attended with a frequent pulse, quick and laborious breath¬ 
ing, which is performed with a peculiar kind of croaking noise, that 
may be heard at a considerable distance-. The voice is sharp and 
shrill, and tire face is generally much flushed, though sometimes it 
is of a livid colour. 

When a child is seized with the above symptoms, his feet should 
be immediately put inio warm water. lie ought likewise to be 
bled end to luve a laxative clyster administered as soon as possi¬ 
ble. He should be made to breathe over the steams of warm wa¬ 
ter and vinegar ; or an emollient decoction, and emollient cataplasms 
cr fomentation-May be applied round hrs neck. • If the symptoms 
do not abate, a b!i .iering-piaster must be applied round tire neck, 
•or between the shoulders, and the child may take frequently a table- 
spoonfu! of the following, julep: Take penny-royal water three 
ounces, syrup of .ai the a and of poppies, each e:.e ounce, mix them 
together. 

13 

Asafcelida is found to have a good effect in this case. It may be 
both, given in form of clyster, and taken by the mouth. Two drachms 

* bn this difeafe bleeding is not always proper; but in very foil habits it 
^crxuidy mu& be of ufe, ' 


OF TEET II I N G. 



of asatetida may be dissolved in one ounce of Mindererus’s spirit, 
and three ounces of pennv-royal water. A table-spoonful of this 
mixture may be gdveneverv hour, or oftener, if the patient’s sto¬ 
mach be able to bear it. l( the child cannot be brought to take this 
medicine, two drachms of the asafcetida may be dissolved in a com¬ 
mon clyster, and administered every six or eight hours, till the vio¬ 
lence of the disease abates*.-. 

To prevent a return of the disorder, all those things which occa¬ 
sion it must carefully be avoided; as wet feet, cold, damp, easterly 
•winds. See. Children who have had frequent returns of this dis¬ 
ease, or whose constitutions seem to dispose them to it, ought to 
have their diet properly regulated ; all food that is viscid o r hard of 
digestion, and all crude, raw, trashy fruits are to be avoided. They 
ought likewise to have a drain constantly kept open in some part of 
their body, by means of a seton or issue. I have sometimes known 
a Burgundy-pitch plaster, worn continually between the shoulders 
for several years, have a very happy effect in preventing the return 
of this dreadful disorder. 


O F T E E THIN G, 

Dr. Arbuthnot observes, that above a tenth part of infants die in 
teething, by symptoms proceeding from.the irritation of the lender 
nervous parts of the jaws, occasioning inflammations, fevers, con¬ 
vulsions, gangrenes, &c. These symptoms are in a great measure 
owing to the great delicacy and exquisite sensibility of the nervous 
system at this time of life, which is too often increased by an effe¬ 
minate education. Hence it comes to pass, that children who are 
delicately brought up, always suffer most in teething, and often fall 
by convulsive disorders.. 

About the sixth or seventh month the teeth generally begin to 
make their appeajar.ee ; first, the incisores, or fore-tee Ih; next, the 
cannini, or dog-teeth ; and, lastly, the motares, or grinders. About 
the seventh year, there comes a new set; and about the twentieth, 
the two inner grinders, called dentes sapientiev, the teeth of wisdom. 

Children about tire time of cutting their teeth, slaver much, and 
have generally a looseness. When the teething is difficult, especi- 

* I was lately favoured with a letter from Dr. William Turnbvvil in London,- 
a phyfician of great experience, and who, from his former fitiiation on the 
nort’u-eail coaft of England, had many opportunities of obferving the fvmp- 
toms and progrefs of this dangerous di-feafe. I am forry the letter came too 
late to be inferred at length; but as the Doctor’s fentiinents differ very little 
from my own, this misfortune is the lefs to be regretted. The Doedcr in¬ 
deed obierves, that lie never found Wittering of any fervice ; but recom¬ 
mends cataplafnvs of garlic, camphor and Venice treacle, to be applied both 
to the throat and foies of the feet. lie likewife recommends bolusses of 
Gamphor, eaftor, valerian root, fait of havtihorn, and mufk, adapted to the 
age, ftrength, Jkc. of the patient; after which he advifes two lpoonfuis of 
the following decoction : Take of garlic and dMilled vinegar each an ounce, 
hyfop-water eight ounces; heat up the ingredients together, gradually mix'-* 
ing the water, and adding three ounces of honey. Let the whole be fim- 
mered over a gentle fire, and afterwards firained for life. 







6 F T E E 7 II I N 



ally when the dog-teeth begin to make their way through the 
the child has startings in his sleep, tumours of the gums, watchings, 
gripes, green stools, the thrush, fever, difficult breathing, and eon T 
vulsions. 4 ' r 

1 Difficult teething requires nearly ti e same treatment as an inflam¬ 
matory disease. If the body be bound, it must be opened either 
by emollient clysters or gentle purgatives ; as manna, magnesia alba „ 
rhubarb, senna, or the like. The food should be light, and in small 
quantity ; the drink plentiful, but weak and diluting, as infusions of . 
ba'm, or of the lime-tree flowers* to which about a third or fourth - 
part of milk may be added. 

If the fever be high, bleeding will be necessary; but this in vesy 
young children* ought always to be sparingly performed. It is an 
-evacuation which they bear the worst of any. Purging, vomiting,, 
or sweating, agree much better with them, and are generally more 
beneficial, Harris, however, observes, that*, when an inflammati¬ 
on appears, the physician w ill labour in vain, if the cure be not 
begun with applying d leach under each ear. I! the child be seized* 
with convulsion-fils, a blistering-plaster may be applied between the, 
shoulders, or one behind each ear. 

Sydenham savs that in fevers occasioned by teething, lie never 
f )undany remedy so effectual as two, three or four drops ofspirits of 
hartshorn in a spoonful of simple water, or other convenient vehi¬ 
cle, given every four hours. The number of doses may be four,' 
i\vQ or six. ' I have often prescribed this medicine with success, but 
always found a larger dose necessary. It may be given from five 
drop; to fifteen or twenty, according to the age of the, child, and* 
when costiveness docs rot fbrbit it, three or four drops of laudanum 
may be added to each. dose.. A 

In Scotland, it is very common, when children are cutting their 
teeth, to put a small Burgundy-pitch plaster between their should¬ 
ers. This generally’eases the tickling cough which attends teeth¬ 
ing, and is by no means an useless application. When the teeth aie 
cut with difficulty! it ought to be kept on during the whole time of 
teething. It may be enlarged as occasion requires, and ought to be 
renewed at least once a fortnight. 

Several tilings have been recommended for rubbing the gums, as 
oils, mucilages, tke ; but from, these much is not to be expected.- 
Jf any thing of this kind is to be used, we would recommend a lit¬ 
tle fine honey, whidi may be rubbed on with the finger three cr 
four times a-day. Children are generally at tfiis time disposed to 
chew whatever they get into their hands. For this reason they 
ought never to be without somewhat that will yield a little to. the 
pressure of their gums, as a crust of bread, a wax candle, a bit of 
liquorice-root, or such like. 

With regard to cutting the gums, we have seldom known it of 
any great benefit. In obstinate cases, however, ii ought to be tried. 
It may be performed by ihe finger nail, t he edge of a sixpenny piece 
that is worn thin, or 'any sharp body which can be with safety intro¬ 
duced into the mouth : but a lancet, in a skilful hand, is certainly- 
the most proper. • U: ’ ‘ ■ 


OF THE R I CRE T S. s 21 

In order to render the teething less difficult, parents ought' to take 
carp that their children’s food be light and wholesome, and that 
their nerves be braced by sufficient exercise without doors, the use 
of the cold bath, &c. Were these things dujy regarded, they would 
have a much hotter effect than tedding necklace, or other, no;iseji.sieai 
run:lets worn for that purpose. 

OF THE R I C K E T S. 

THIS disease generally attacks children between the of nine 
Months and two years It appeared fust in England, about the 
time when manufactures began to flourish, and stiii prevails most in 
towns where the inhabitants follow sedentary employments, by'' 
which means they neglect either to take proper exercise themselves, 
or to give it to their children. 

CAUSES.——One cause of the rickets is diseased parents. Mo* 
flters of a weak relaxed habit, who neglect exercise, and live upon 
weak watery diet, can neither be expected to bring forth strong and 
health) children, or to be able to nurse them after they are brought 
forth. Accordingly we find, that the children of such women ge¬ 
nerally die of the rickets, the schrophula, consumptions, or such like 
diseases. Children begotten by men in the decline oflife, who are 
subject to the gout, the gravel, or other chronic diseases, or who 
have been often afflicted with the venereal disease in their youth, 
arc likewise very liable to the rickets. 

Any disorder that weakens the constitution,-or relaxes* the habit 
of children, as the small-pox, measles, teething, the hooping-cough, 
Zzc. disposes them to this disease. It may likewise be occasioned 
bv improper diet, as food that is either too weak and watery, or so 
viscid that the stomach cannot digest if. 

Bad nursing'is' the chief cause of this disease. When the nurse 
is either diseased, or has not enough of milk to nourish the child, 
it cannot thrive. But children suffer oftener by want of care in 
nurses than want of food. Allowing an infant to lie or sit too much, 
Or not keeping it thoroughly clean in its clothes, has the most perni¬ 
cious effects. 

The want of free air is likewise very hurtful-.to children in this 
respect. When a nurse lives in a close small house, where the air 
is damp and confined, and is too indolent to carry her child abroad 
Into the open air, it will hardly escape this disease. A healthy 
rhild should always be in motion, unless when asleep; if it be suf¬ 
fered to lie or sit, instead of being tossed ami dandled about, it 
will not thrive. 

SYMPTOMS.- At'the beginning of this disease the child’s 

ffesh grows soft and slabby ; its strength is diminished ; if loses its 
wonted cheerfulness, looks mere grave and composed than is na¬ 
tural for its age, and does not Abuse to be moved. The head and 
belly become too large in proportion to the other parts; the face 
Appears full, and’ the complexion- florid. Afterwards the bones 





52S 


O F T H e; R I G K E' T S. 


begin <o be affected, especially in lire more soft and spungy parts. 
Hence the wrists and ancles become thicker than usual ; the spine 
or back-bone puts on an unnatural shape; the breast is likewise 
often deformed ; and the bones of the arms and legs grow crooked. 
All these symptoms vary according to the violence of the disease. 
The pulse is generallytjuick\, but feeble; the appetite and digesti¬ 
on for the most part bad ; the teeth come slowly and with difficulty, 
and they often rot and fall out afterwards. Ricketty children gene¬ 
rally' have great acuteness of mind, and an understanding above 

J K > _ ' ' O < 

their years. Whether this is owing to their being more in the 
company of adults than other children, or to the preternatural 
enlargement of the brain, is not material, 

REGIMEN.-As this disease is always attended with evident 

signs of weakness and relaxation, our chief aim in the cure must 
be to brace and strengthen the solids, and to promote digestion 
and the due preparation of the fluids. These important ends will 
be best answered by wholesome nourishing diet, suited fo the age 
and strength of the patient, open drv air, and sufficient exercise. 
3f the child has a bad nurse, who-either neglects her duty, or does, 
not understand it, she should be changed. It the season be cold, 
the child ought to be kept warm;- and when the weather is hot, it 
ought to be kept cool; as sweating is apt to weaken it, and too 
great a degree of cold! has the same effect. The limbs should be 
rubbed frequently with a^ warm hand,. and the child kept as cheer-^ 
ful as possible.. 

The diet ought to be dry and nourishing, as good bread, roasted 
flesh, ozc. Biscuit is generally reckoned the best-bread ; and pige¬ 
ons, pullets, veal, rabbits, or mutton roasted or minced, are the 
most proper flesh. If the child be loo young for flesh-meats, he 
may have rice, millet, or pearl-barley boiled with raisins, to which, 
may be added a little wine and spice His drink may be good cla¬ 
ret mixed with an equal quantify of water. Those who cannot 
afford claret, may give the child now and then a wine-glass of mild 
ale, or good porter. 

MEDICINE.-Medicines are here of little avail. TJ re disease 

may often be cured by the nurse, but seldom by the physician. Ia 
children of a gross habit, gentle vomits and repeated purges of rhu¬ 
barb may sometimes be of use, but they will seldom carry off the 
disease; that must depend chiefly upon such .things as brace and 
strengthen the system: for which purpose,besides the regimen mention¬ 
ed above, we would recommend the cold bath, especially in the warm 
season. It must however be used with prudence, as some ricketty 
children cannot bear it. The-best time for using the cold bath is in 
the morning, and the chi Id should be well rubbedwith a dry cloth 
immediately ofter he comes out of it. If the child should be weak¬ 
ened by the cold bath, it must be discontinued. 

Sometimes issues have been found beneficial in this disease. 
They are peculiarly necessary for children who abound with gross 
humours. An infusioiiof the Peruvian bark in wine or ale would 
be of service, we.e it possible to bring them to take it We might here 
mention many other medicines which have been recommended for 

the 











329 


o f co ;n v-ulsi o n i s. 

40 

: the rickets; but as there is far more'danger in trusting to these than, 
in neglecting them;; a!togeiher, we chuse rather to rpass them over, 
and to recommend a proper regimen as the thing chiefly to be de¬ 
fended on. 

O F C O N v. U L S I O N S. 

THOUGH more chi! dren are said to'die of convulsions tlhin of 
tany other disease, yet they are lor the most partonly a sympldin of 
some other malady. ‘Whatever greatly irritates or stimulates.the 
.'nerves, may occasion convulsions. Hence infants whose nerves 
: are easily affected, are often thrown into convulsions by any thing 
that irritates the alimentary canal; likewise by teething; strait c lothes; 
the approach of the small-pox, measles, or other eruptive diseases. 

When convulsions proceed from an irritation of the stomach or 
bowels, whatever clears them of their acrid contents, or renders 
these mild and inoffensive, will generally perform a cure : where¬ 
fore, if the ehild be costive, the best way will be to begin with a 
clyster and afterwards to give a gentle vomit, which may be re¬ 
peated occasionally, and the body in the mean time kept open by 
gentle doses of magnesia alba, or small quantities of rhubarb mixed 
with the powder of crabs claw's. 

Convulsions which precede the eruption of the small-pox or mea¬ 
sles generally go off upon these making their appearance. The 
principal danger in this case arises from the fears and apprehensions 
.of those who have the care of the patient. Convulsions are very 
alarming, and something must be done to appease the affrighted pa¬ 
rents, nurses, Szc. Hence the unhappy infant often undergoes 
bleeding, blistering, and several other operations, to the great dan¬ 
ger of its life, when a little time, bathing the feet in warm water, 
and throwing in amild clyster, would have set all to rights. 

When convulsion-fits arise from the cutting of teeth, besides gen¬ 
tle evacuations, we would recommend blistering, and the use of 
anfcispasmodic medicines, as the tincture of soot, asafoetida, or cas¬ 
tor. A few drops of any of these may be mixed in a cup of white- 
wine whey, and given occasionally. 

W1 ien convulsions proceed from any external cause, as the pres¬ 
sure occasioned by strait clothes or bandages, Sec. theseought imme¬ 
diately to be removed ; though in this case taking avvav the cause 
wall not always remove the effect, yet it ought to be done. It is not 
likely that the patient will recover, as long as the cause which first 
gave rise to the disorder continues to act 

When a child is seized w ith convulsions without having any com¬ 
plaint in the bowels, or symptomsof teething; or any rash or other dis¬ 
charge which has been suddenly dried up ; we have reason to conclude 
that it is a primary disease, and proceeds immediately from the brain. 
Cases of this kind, however, happen but seldom, which is very for¬ 
tunate, as little can be done to relieve the unhappy patient. When 
a disease proceeds from an original fault in the formation or structure 
-cf the brain itself, we cannot expect that it should yield to medicine. 





0 OF WATER TN THE HEAP. 


But as this is not always the cause, even of convulsions-which pro¬ 
ceed immediately from the brain, sortie attempts should be made 
remove them. The chief intention to be pursued for this purpose, 
is to make some derivation from the head, by blistering, purging? 
sad the like. Should these fail, issues.or setons may be put ( in,the 
neck; cr between the shoulders'. 


OF WATER IN THE HEAD. 

THOUGH water in the head, or a dropsy of the brain, may 
affect adults Us well as children, vet, as the latter are more peculi¬ 
arly liable to it, we thought that it would be most proper to n_Ja.ce 
it among the diseases of infants. 

CAUSES. —A dropsy of the brain niay .proceed from inju¬ 
ries done to the brain itself by falls, blows, or the like ] it may aNo 
proceed from an original laxity or weakness of the brain ; from schir- 
rous tumours or excrescences within the skull; a thin watery state 
of the blood; a diminished secretion of urine; a sudden check oT 
the perspiration.; and lastly, from tedious and lingering diseases, 
-which waste and consume the patient. 


SYMPTOMS. 


■This disease has at first the appearance of a 


slow tcver; the patient complains of a pain in the crown of his 
head or over his eyes; he shuns the light; is sick, and sometimes 
vomits; his piil.se is irregular and generally low : though he seems 
heavy aiid dull, vet he does not sleep: he is sometimes delirious, and 
frequently sees objecs double; towards the end of this commonly 
fatal disease; the pulse becomes more frequent, the pupils are gene¬ 
rally dilated, the checks ilashed, the patient becomes comatose, and 
convulsions ei ) stiel*. 

MEDICINE.-rn--No medicine has hitherto been found suffici¬ 

ent to carry oif a diop.sy of the brain. It is laudable, however, to 
make some attempts; as time or chance may bring many things to 
light, of which at present we have no idea. Trte medicines gene¬ 
rally used are, purges of rhubarb or jalap; with calomel or blister¬ 
ing-plasters applied to the heck or back part of the head. To which 
we would beg leave to add dicureties, or medicines which promote 
ihe secretion of urine, such as are recommended in (lie common 
-dropsy. A discharge from the nose might likewise to be promoted 
by causing the patient to snuff the powder oT asaruni, white helle¬ 
bore or the like. 

Some practitioners have of late pretended to cure this disease by 
the use of mercury. I have not been so happy as to see any irrstan- 

very lately loft a patient in this difeafe, where a curious metaftasis 
dketneJ to take place. 1'he water at .iirft appeared to be m the abdomen, 
afterwards in the .break, and lait of it .mounted up to the brain, where it 

-dbon presMiatjd. 


:es 






OF SURGERY. 


ees of a cure beifig performed in a confirmed dropsy of the brain; 
but in so desperate a malady every thing deserves a trialf. 


C II A P. L. 

of surgIr Y> 

T O describe all the operations of surgery, and to point out the 
different diseases in which these operations are necessary* 
would extend this article far beyond the limits allotted to it : we 
must therefore confine our observations to such cases as most gene¬ 
rally occur, and in which proper assistance is either not asked, or 
not always to he obtained. 

Though an acquaintance with the structure of the human body is 
indispensably necessary to qualify a man for being an expert surge¬ 
on ; yet many things may be done to save the lives of their fellow- 
men, in emergencies, by those who are no adepts in anatomy. It 
is amazing with what facility the peasants daily perform operations 
upon brute animals, which are not of a less difficult nature than ma¬ 
ny of those performed on the human species j yet they seldom fail 
of success. 

Indeed every man is in some measure a surgeon whether he will or 
not. He feels an inclination to assist his fellow-men in distress, and 
accidents happen every hour which give occasion to exercise this feel¬ 
ing. The feelings of the heart, however, when not c ireefedby the 
judgment, are apt to mislead. Thus one, by a ra^h attempt to save his 
friend, may sometimes destroy him ; while another, for fear of do¬ 
ing amiss, stands still and sees his bosom friend expire without so 
much as attempting to relieve him, even when the means are in his 
power. As every good man would wish to steer a course different 
from either of these, it will no doubt be agreeable to him to know 
what ought to be done upon such emergencies. 

OF BLEEDING. 

NO operation of surgery is so frequently necessary ns bleeding; 
it ought therefore to be very generally Understood, but though 
practised by midwives, gardeners, blacksmiths, Sic. we have reason 
to believe that very few know when it is proper. Even physicians 

| One reafon why this difeafe is feldom or never cured, nay he, that it is 
feldom known till too far advanced to admit cf a remedy. Did parents 
watch the fir it lymptoirfs, and call aphyfician m due time, I am inclined to 
think that fomethipg might be done. But thefe f\ mptpms are not y& f effi¬ 
ciently known, and are often mifiaken even by phyficians themfelves. Of 
rhis I lately law a finking infiar.ee in a patient, attended by an eminent prac- 
tioner of this city, who had all along ratfiaktn the ui.eafe for teething, 

Y y themselves 




OF BLEEDING. 


S3 2. 

themselves have been so much the dupes of theory in this article, a ,i 
to render it the subject of ridicule. It is however an operation of 
great importance, and must, when seasonably and properly perform¬ 
ed, be of singular service to those in distress. 

Bleeding is proper at the beginning of all inflammatory fevers, as 
pleurisies, peripneumonies, &:c. It is likewise proper in all topical 
inflammations, as those of the intestines, womb, bladder, stomach, 
kidnie?, throat, eyes, &c. as also in the asthma, sciatic pains, coughs, 
bead-achs, rheumatisms, the apoplexy, epilepsy, and bloody-flux. 
After falls, blows, bruises, or any violent hurt received either .exter¬ 
nally or internally, bleeding is necessary. It is likewise necessary 
for persons who have had the misfortune to be strangled, drowned, 
suffocated with foul air, the fumes of inetal or the like. In a word, 
whenever the vital motions have been suddenly stopt from any cause 
whatever, except in swoonings occasioned by mere weakness or 
hysteric affections, it is proper to open a vein. But in all disorders 
proceeding from a relaxation of the solids, and an impoverished 
state of the blood, as dropsies, cacocbymies, &c. bleeding is im¬ 
proper. 

Bleeding for topical inflammations ought always to be performed 
as near the part affected as possible. When this can be done with 
a lancet, it is to be preferred to any other method; but where a 
vein cannot be found, recourse must be had to leeches or cupping. 

The quantity of blood to be let must always be regulated by the 
strength, age, constitution, manner of life, and other circumstances 
relating to the patient. It would be ridiculous to suppose that a 
child could bear to lose as much blood as a grown person, or 
that a delicate lady should be bled to the same extent as a robust 
man. 

From whatever part of the body blood is to be let, a bandage 
must be applied between that part and the heart. As it is often ne¬ 
cessary, in order to raise the vein, to make the bandage pretty tight, 
it will be proper in such cases, as soon as the bipod begins to fiow,- 
to slacken it a little. The bandage ought to be applied at least an 
inch, or an inch and an half, from the place where the wound Is in¬ 
tended to be made. 

Persons not skilled in anatomy ought never to bleed in a vein (hat 
lies over an artery or a tendon, if they can avoid it. The former 
may easily be known from its pulsation or beating, and the latter 
from its-feeling hard or tight like a whip cord under the finger. 

It was formerly a rule, even among those who had the character 
of being regular practitioners, to bleed their patients in certain dis¬ 
eases till they fainted. Surely a more ridiculous rule could not be 
proposed. One person will faint at the very sight of a lancet, while 
another will lose almost the whole blood of his body before 
he faints. Swooning depends more upon the state of the mind than 
of the body: besides, it may often be occasioned or prevented bv 
the manner in which the operation is performed. 

Children are -generally bled with leeches. This, though some- 
times necessary, is a very troublesome and uncertain practice. It is 
impossible to know what quantity of blood is taken away by leech¬ 
es; 


OF INFLAMMATIONS AND ABSCESSES. 333 

es; besides, the bleeding is often very difficult to stop, and the 
wounds are not easily healed. Would those who practise bleeding 
take a littie more pains, and accustom themselves to bleed chiidren, 
they would not find it such a difficult operation as they imagine. 

Certain hurtful prejudices with regard to bleeding still prevail 
among the country people. They talk, for instance, of head-veins, 
heart-veins, breast-veins, 8fc. and believe that bleeding in these will 
certainly cure all diseases of the parts from whence they are supposed 
to come, without considering that all the blood vessels arise from 
the heart and return to it again ; for which reason, unless in topical 
inflammations, it signifies very little from what part of the body the 
blood is taken. But this, though a foolish prejudice, is not near 
so hurtful as the vulgar notion that the first bleeding will perform 
wonders. This belief makes them often postpone the operation 
when necessary, in order to reserve it for some more important oc¬ 
casion, and, when they think themselves in extreme danger, 
they fly to it for relief whether it be proper or not. Bleeding at 
certain stated periods or seasons has likewise bad effects. 

It is a common notion that bleeding in the feet draws the hu¬ 
mours downwards, and consequently cures diseases of the head and 
other superior parts; but we have already observed that, in all topi¬ 
cal affections, the blood ought to be drawn as near the part as pos¬ 
sible. When it is necessary, however, to bleed in the foot or .hand, 
as the veins are small, and the bleeding is apt to stop to a soon, the 
part ought to be immersed in warm water, and kept there till a suf- 
ticient quantity of blood be let 

We shall not spend time in describing the manner of performing 
this operation : that will be better learned by example than precept. 
Twenty pages of description would not convey so just an idea of 
the operation as seeing it once performed by an expert hand. Nei¬ 
ther is it necessary to point out the different parts of the body from 
whence blood may be taken, as the arm, foot, forehead, temples, 
neck, &c. These will readily occur to every intelligent person, and 
the foregoing observations will be sufficient for determining which 
of them is most proper upon any particular occasion. In all cases 
where the intention is merely to lessen the general mass of blood, 
the arm is the most commodious part of the body in which the ope¬ 
ration can be performed, 

OF INFLAMMATIONS AND ABSCESSES. 

FROM whatever cause an inflammation proceeds, it must termi¬ 
nate either by dispersion, suppuration, or gangrene. Though it is 
impossible to foretel with certainty in which of these ways any parti¬ 
cular inflammation will terminate, yet a probable conjecture may be 
formed with regard to the event, from a knowledge of the patient's 
age and constitution. Inflammations happening in a slight degree 
upon colds, and without any previous indisposition, will most pro¬ 
bably be dispersed; those which follow close upon a fever, or hap¬ 
pen to persons of a gross habit of body, will generally suppurate; 


s54 OF INFLAMMATIONS AND ABSCESSES, 


and those which attack very oM people, or persons of a dropsical 
habit, will have a strong tendency to gangrene. 

If the inflammation be slight, and the constitution sound, the dis¬ 
persion ought always to-be attempted.. This wilt be best promoted 
by a slender diluting die*,, plentiful bleeding,, and repealed purges. 
The part itself must be fomented, and, if the skin be very tense, it 
may be embrocated with a mixture of three-fourths ot sweet oil, and 
one-fourth of vinegar,, and.afterwards covered with apiece oi wax- 
plaster. 

If, notwithstanding these applications, the symptomatic fever in¬ 
creases, and the tumour becomes larger, with violent pain and pulsa¬ 
tion, it w ill be proper to promote the suppuration. The best appli¬ 
cation for this purpose is a. spft poultice, which may be renewed twice 
a-<lay. If the suppuration proceeds but slowly, a r ^ onion cut 
small or bruised may be spread, upon the poultice. Vv uen die ab¬ 
scess is ripe or fit for opening, which may easily be known bom the 
thi nixess of the skin in the most prominent part of it, a fluctuation 
of matter which may be felt under the finger,, and, generally speak¬ 
ing, an abatement of the pain,, it may be opened eHirer with a lan¬ 
cet or hy means of caustic. 

The last way in which an inflammation terminates, is in a gangrene 
or mortification, the approach of whic h mav be known by the fol¬ 
lowing symptoms: the inflammation loses its redness, and becomes, 
duskisii or livid the tension of the skin goes oil, and it feels flabby;, 
little bladders filled with i< hor of different colours spread all over it; 
the tumour subsides, and from a du.kish complexion becomes blac k ; 
a quick low pulse, with cold clammy sweats, are the immediate 
forerunners of cieaih. 

When these symptoms fiuit appear, the part ought (o be dressed 
■with London treac V , or a cataplasm made of lixivium and bran. 
Should the symptoms become wor-e, the nart must be scarified 
iind afterwards dressed with basibeum softened w ith oil of turpen¬ 
tine. All the dressings must be applied warm. With regard to 
internal medicines, the patient mu-t be supported with generous 
cordials, and (he Peruvian bark exhibited in as large doses as the 
stomach will bear it. If the mortified parts should separate, the 
wound will become a common ulcer* and must be treated accord¬ 
ingly. 

This article includes the treatment of all those diseases, which, 
in different parts of the country, go by the names of biles, impost - 
Mimes, wiuilnes, fee They are all abscesses in- consequence of a 
previous inflammation, which, if possible, ought to be discussed; 
but when this cannot be done, the suppuration should be piomoted. 
ami the matter discharged by an incision, if necessary; after-? 
wards the sore may be dressed with yellow basilicum, or some ether 
digestive oiiUmetu, 


CF 


( 335 J 


O F WOUND Si. 

NO part of medicine has been more mistaken than the treat¬ 
ment or cure ot wounds*. Mankind in general believe that certain- 
herbs, ointments, and piasters are possessed of wonderful. healing 
powers, ami imagine that no wound can be cured without the appli¬ 
cation of theui. It is however a fact, that no external application 
whatever contributes towards the' cut® of a wound, any other way 
than by keeping the parts soft, clean, and defending them bom the 
external air, which may be as effectually done by dry lint, as by the 
most pompous applications, while it is exempt from many of the 
bad consequences attending therm 

i he same observation holds with respect to internal applications, 
i hese only promote the cure of wounds as far as they tend to pre¬ 
vent a fever, or to remove any cause that might obstruct or impede 
the operations of Nature*, it is Nature alone that cures wounds. 
-All that art can do is to remove obstacles, and to put the parts in 
such a condition as is the-most favourable to Nature's efforts. 

With tl.i s simple view We shall consider the treatment of wounds, 
and endeavour to point out such steps, as ought to be taken to facili¬ 
tate their cure* 

The first thing to be clone when a person has received a wound, 
is to examine whether any foreign body be lodged in it, as wood, 
stone, iron, lead, glass, dirt, hits of cloth, or the like. These, if 
possible, ought to be extracted, and the wound cleaned, before any 
dressings be applied. When that cannot be effected with safety, oil 
account of the patient's weakness, or loss of blood, they must be 
suffered to remain in the wound, and afterwards extracted when lie 
Is more able to bear it. 

When a wound penetrates into any of the cavities of the body, 
as the breast, the bowels, &e or where any considerable blood-ves¬ 
sel is cut, a skilful surgeon ought immediately to be called, other¬ 
wise the patient may lose his life. But sometimes the discharge of 
blood is so great, that if it be not stopt, the patient may die even 
before a surgeon, though at no great distance, can arrive. In this 
case, something must be done by those who are present. If the 
wound be in any of the limbs, the bleeding may generally be stopt 
by applying a tight ligature or bandage round the member a little 
above the wound. The best method of doing this is to put a strong 
broad gartvr round the part, but so slack as easily to admit a small 
piece of stick to be put undent, which must be twisted, in the same 
manner as a countryman does a cart-rope to secure his loading, till 
the bleeding stops. Whenever this is the case, he must take care 
to twist it no longer, as straining it too much might occasion an in¬ 
flammation of the parts, and endanger a gangrene. 

In parts where this bandage cannot be applied, various other me¬ 
thods may be tried to stop the bleeding, as the application of styp¬ 
tics, astringents, &c. Cloths dipped in a solution of blue vitriol m 
water, or the styptic water oi the Dispensatories, may be applied to 

the 




OF WOUNDS. 


$86 

the wound. When these cannot be obfa: led, strong spirits of wine 
may be used. Some recommend the agaric* of the oakas prefera¬ 
ble to any of the other styptics; and indeed it deserves considerable 
encomiums. 

It is easily obtained, and ought to be kept in every family, in 
case of accidents. A piece of it must be laid upon the wound, 
and covered with a good deal of lint, above which a bandage may 
fre applied so tight as to keep it firmly on. 

Though spirits, tinctures, and hot balsams may be used, in order 
to stop tne bleeding when it is excessive, they are improper at other 
times. They do not promote but retard the cure, and often change 
a simple wound into an ulcer. People imagine, because hot bal¬ 
sams congeal the blood, and seem, as it were, to solder up the 
wound, that they therefore heal it; but this is only a deception. They 
iaay indeed stop the flowing blood, by searing the mouths of the ves¬ 
sels ; but, by rendering the parts callous they obstruct the cure. 

Irf slight wounds, which do not penetrate much deeper than the 
skin, the best application is a bit of the common black sticking-plas¬ 
ter, This keeps the sides of the wound together, and preventsthe 
?.i?r from hurting it, which is all thas is necessary. When a wound 
penetrates deep, it is not safe to keep its lips quite close : this keeps 
in; the matter, and is apt to make the wound fester. In this case the 
Hest way is to fill the wound with soft lint, commonly called caddis. 
J: however must not be stuffed in too hard, otherwise it will do 
Junt. The lint may be coveted with a cloth dipped in oil, or spread 
with the common wax-plaster f ; and the whole must be kept on by 
a proper bandage. 

We shall not spend time in describing the different bandages that 
may foe proper for wounds in different parts of the body; common 
seme will generally suggest the most commodious method of apply¬ 
ing a bandage; beside, descriptions of this kind are not easily un¬ 
derstood or remembered, 

T? e first dressing ought to continue on .for at least two days ; af¬ 
ter which it may be removed, and fresh lint applied as before. If 
snypartof the first dressing sticks so close as not to be removed 

* Dr. TifTot, in his “ Advice to the people,” gives the following direc¬ 
tions for gathering, preparing, and applying the agaric.—“ Gather in au¬ 
tumn,” lays he, “ while the hue weather lafts, the agaric of the oak, which, 
is a kind of fungus or excrefccnce inuing from the wood of that tree. It 
con life at fir ft of four parts, which prefent themfelves fuccefliyely : i. The 
rntward rind or flan, which may be thrown away. 2. The part immedi¬ 
ately under this rind which is the bell of all. This is to be beat well with 
a hammer, till it becomes foft and very pliable. This is the only preparation 

requires, and a dice of it of a proper fize is to be applied di redly over the 
burfting open biood-vefiels. Itconftring.es and brings them dole together, 
hops the bleeding, and generally falls off at the end of two days. 3. The 
third part adhering to the fecond may ferve to flop the bleeding from' the 
fm after veffels ; and the fourth and la It part may be reduced to powder as con¬ 
ducing to the fame purpofe.”—Where the agaric cannot be had, lponge may¬ 
be ufed in its head. Itmuft be applied in the fame manner, and has nearly 
the fame efte&s. 

f See Appendix, Wax Plaster. 


wilh 



S3? 


OF BURNS. 

with ease or safety to the patient, it may be allowed to continue, 
and fresh lint dipped in sweet oil laid over it. This will soften it, 
so as to make it ccme off easily at next dressing. Afterwards the 
■wound may be dressed twice a-day in the same manner till it be 
quite healed. Those who are fond of salves or oinments, may, af¬ 
ter the wound is become very superficial, dress it with the yellow 
basilicum*; and if fungus, or what is called proud flesh, should rise 
in the wound, it may be checked, by mixing with the ointment a lit¬ 
tle burnt allum or red precipitate of mercury. 

When a wound is greatly inflamed, the most proper application; 
is a poultice of bread and milk, softened with a little sweet oil or fresh 
butter. This must be applied instead of a plaster, and should be 
changed twice a-day. 

If the wound be large, and there is reason to fear and inflammati¬ 
on, the patient should be kept on a very low diet. He must abstain 
from flesh, strong liquors, and every thing that is of a heating na¬ 
ture. If he be of a full habit, and has lost but little blood from the 
wound, he must be bled; and, if the symptoms be urgent, the ope¬ 
ration may be repeated. But when the patient has been greatly wea¬ 
kened by loss of blood from the wound, it will be dangerous to bleed 
him, even though a fever should ensue Nature should never be 
too far exhausted. It is always more safe to allow her to struggle 
with the disease in her own way, than to sink the patient’s strength 
by excessive evacuations. 

Wounded persons ought to be kept perfectly quiet and easy. 
Every thing that ruffles themind or moves the passions, as love, anger,* 
fear, excessive joy, &c. are very hurtful. They ought above all 
things to abstain from v.enery. The body should be kept gently 
open, either by laxative clusters, or by a cool vegetable diet, as 
roasted apples, stewed prunes, boiled spinage, and such like. 

; O F B U R N S. 

tN slight burns which do not break the skin, it is customary itf 
hold the part near the fire for a competent time, to rub it with salt/ 
or to lay a compress upon it dipped in spirits of wine or brandy. 
But when the burn has penetrated so deep as to blister or break the' 
skin, it must be dressed with some of the liniment for burns menti¬ 
oned in the Appendix, or with the emollient and gently drying oint¬ 
ment, commonly called Turner’s cerate f. This may be mixed with 
an equal quantity of fresh olive oil, and spread upon"a soft rag, and’ 
applied to the part affected. When this ointment cannot be had, 
an egg may be beat up with about and equal quantity of the sweet¬ 
est salad oil. This will serve very well till a proper ointment call 
be prepared. When the burning is very deep, after the first two or 
three days, it should be dressed with equal parts of yellow basilk 
cum and Turner’s cerate mixed together. 

* See Appendix, Yellow Basilicum, 

| See Appendix, Turner’s Cerate. 

When- 


338 


OF BRUISES. 


When (he burn is violent or has occasioned a high degree of in¬ 
flammation, and there is reason to fear a gangrene or mortification, 
the same means must he used to prevent as are recommended in 
other violent inflammations. The patient, in this case, must live 
low, and drink freely of weak diluting liquors. He must likewise 
be bled, and have his body kept open. But if the burnt parts should 
become livid or black, with other symptoms of mortification, it will 
be necessary to bathe them frequently with warm camphorated spi¬ 
rits of wine, tincture of myrrh, or other antiseptics, mixed with a 
decoction of the bark. In this case the hark must likewise be tak¬ 
en internally, and the patient's diet must be more generous, with 
wine, &rc. 

As example teaches better than precept, I shall relate the treat¬ 
ment of the most dreadful case of this kind that lias occurred in my 
practice. A middle-aged man, of a good constitution, fell into a 
large vessel full of boiling water, and miserably scalded about one 
half of his body. As his clothes were on, the burning in some parts 
was very deep before they could be got off. For the first two days 
the scalded parts had been frequently anointed with a mixture of 
lime-w'ater and oil, which isa very proper application for recent burn¬ 
ings. On the third day, when I first saw him, his fever was high, 
and his body costive, for which he was bled, and had an emollient 
clyster administered. Poultices ot bread and milk, softened with 
fresh butter, w r ere likew ise applied to the atfected parts, to abate 
the heat and inflammation. His fever still continuing high, he was 
bled a second time, was kept strictly on the cooling regimen, took 
the saline mixture wdth small closes of nitre, and had an emollient 
clyster administered once a-day. When the inflammation began to 
abate, the parts were dressed with a digestive composed of brown 
cerate and yellow basilicum. Where any black spots appeared, they 
were slightly scarified, and touched with the tincture of myrrh, anil 
to prevent their spreading, the Peruvian bark was administered. 
By this course, the man was so well in three weeks as to be able to 
attend his business. 


OF BRUISES. 

BRUISES are generally productive of worse consequences than 
wounds. The danger from them does not appear immediately, by 
whidi means it often happens that they are neglected. It is need¬ 
less to give any definition of a disease so universally known; we 
shall therefore proceed to point out the method of treating it. 

In slight bruises it will be sufficient to bathe the part with warm 
vinegar, to which a little brandy or rum may occasionally be added, 
and to keep cloths -wet with this mixture constantly applied to 
it. This is more proper than rubbing it with brandy, spirits of wine, 
or other ardent spirits, which are commonly used in such cases. 

In some parts of the country the peasants apply to a recent bruise 
a cataplasm ot fresh cow-dung. I have often seen this cataplasm 

applied 



OF ULCER 


O, 


Q O 

•j yj 


& 


appue.ci.to viOiCiU coa fusions occasioned by blow?, falls, bruises, and 
such, like, and never Knew it fail to have .a good effect. 

^hen a bruise is very violent, the .patient ought immediately to 
oe bled, and put upon a proper regimen. His food should be light 
and cool, and Ins drink weak and of an opening nature; as whey 
sweetened with honey, decoctions of tamarinds, barley, cream-tar- 
tar wiiey, and such like! , The bruised part must be barbed wilh’vi- 
negar and water, as directed above; and a poultice made b) boil¬ 
ing crumb of bread, elder-flowers, and camomile flowers, in equal 
quantities of vinegar and water, applied t« it. This poultice is pe- 
cidiai !y proper when a wound is joined to the bruise. It may be re¬ 
newed. wo v or three times a-day. 

As the structure of the vessels is totally destroyed by a violent 
bruise, there often ensues a great loss of substance, which produces 
tm ulcerous sore very dilrxult to cure. • If the bone be affected, the 
s ire will not heal before an exfoliation takes place; that is, before 
the diseased part <Vf the bone separates, and comes out through the 
wound. This is often a very slow operation, and may even require 
several years to be-completed.. Hence it happens, that these sores 
are frequently mistaken for the king's evil, and treated as sue h, though 
in fact they proceed solely from the injury which the .solid parts re-* 
ceived from the blow'. 

Patients in this situation are pestered with different advices* 
Every one who sees them proposes a new remedy, till the sore is so 
much irritated with various and opposite applications, that if. is of¬ 
ten at length rendered absolutely incurable. The best method c£ 
managing such sores is, to take care that the patienl/s constitution, 
does not suffer by confinement or improper medicine, and to apply 
nothing to them besides, simple ointment spread upon soft lint, over 
which a poultice of bread and milk, with boiled camomile flowers, 
or the like, may be put to nourish the part, and keep it soft and 
watm. Nature, thus assisted', will generally in lime operate a cure,; 
bv throwing off the diseased parts of the bone, after which lh£ sore 
soon heals. 


OF ULCERS. 

f* r ■ ‘ — . 

ULCERS may be the consequence of wounds, bruises, or inv 
i'bsthumes improperly treated; they may likewise proceed from an 
-II state of the humours, or what may be called a bad habit of 


body. 


in the latter case they ought not to be hastily dried up, otherwise 
it may prove fatal to the patient." Ulcers happen mo.-.L commo.ly 
in the decline of lie ; and persons who neglect exercise, and live 
grossly, are most liable to them. They plight often be prevented by 
retrenching .some part of the solid food, or by opening artificial 
drains, ns issues, scions, or the like. 

An ulcer may be distinguished from a wound by its discharg'ng a 
thiii watery humour, winch is often so acrid as to inflame arid cor- 

7j z .rods 


340 


OfF ULCERS. 

rode the skin; by: the hardness and perpendicular situation of ifi 
sides or edges; by the tiftie of, its duration &c. 

It requires considerrikie skill to be able to-judge whether or not 
an ulcer ought to he dried tip. In general, all ulcers which proceed 
from a baci ijajb.it of-body, should be sufiered to continue open, at 
least till the constitution has'been so far changed by proper regimen, 
or the use of medicine,’that they seem-disposed to heal of their 
own accord. ; ‘L)leers which arc the effect of malignant fevers, or 
other acute diseases, may generally be healed with safety alter the 
health has been restored for some time.. The cure ought not howe¬ 
ver to be attempted too soon, nor at. any time without (lie use of 
purging medicines and a proper regimen. When wounds or bruises 
have, by wrong treatment, degenerated into ulcers, if the constitu¬ 
tion be good, tticy may generally be healed with safety. When ul¬ 
cers either accompany chronical diseases, or come in their stead, they 
must be cautiously healed. If an ulcer conduces to the palientV 
health, from whatever cause it proceeds, it ought not to be healed ; 
but if, on the contrary, it. wastes the strength, and consumes the 
patient by a slow fever, it should be healed as soon as possible. 

We would earnestly recommend a strict attention to these parti¬ 
culars to all who have the'-misfortune to labour under this disorder, 
particularly persons in the dec line of life; as we have frequently 
known peopie throw away their lives by the want of it, while 
they were extolling and generously rewarding those whom they 
ought t<> have looked upon as their executioners. 

The most proper regimen for promoting the cure of ulcers* fs to 
avoid all spices, salted and high seasoned food, all strong liquors, and 
to lessen the usual quantity of flesh meat. The body ought to be- 
kept gently open by a diet consisting chiefly of cooling laxative ve¬ 
getables, and by drinking butter-milk, vvliey sweetened with honey,, 
or the like. The patient ought to be kept cheerful, and should fake 
a»°. muc h exerc ise as he can easily bear. 

When the bottom and sides of an ulcer seem hard and callous, 
they may be sprinkled twice a-day with a little red precipitate of 
mercury, and afterwards dressed with the yellow hasilicum ointment. 
Sometimes it will be necessary to have the edges of the ulcer scari¬ 
fied with the lancet- 

Lime-water ha:- frequently been known to have very nappy effects 
in the.cute of obstinate ulcers. It may be used in the same manner 
as directed ibr the stone and gruv'el. 

My late learned and ingenious friend Dr. Whitt strongly recom¬ 
mends the use of’ the solution of corrosive sublimate of mercury in 
biandy, for the cure of obstinate ill-conditioned ulcers. I have fre¬ 
quently found this medicine, when given according to the Doctor’s 
directions, prove very successful. "The dose is "a table-spoonful 
night and morning j at the same time washing the sore twice or 
• Ihiice a-day with it. In a letter which I had from the Doctor a lit¬ 
tle before his death, he informed me, “ That he observed washing 

-•.ike- 


341 


OF El IS L O C ATI ON S. 

< £hc sore ,hnce a-day with the solution of a triple strength was very 
^beneficial*” J 

A fistulous ulcer can seMom.be cured without an operation. It 
must either be laid open so as to have its callous parts destroyed-by 
some corrosive application, or they must be entirely cut away 
by the knife; but as this operation requires the hand of an expert 
surgeon, there is no occasion to describe it. Ulcers about the anus 
are most apt to become fistulous,, and are very difficult to cure. 
Some indeed .pretend to have found Ward’s fistula paste very sue- 
cessful in this complaint. It is not a dangerous medicine, and be¬ 
ing easily procured, it may deserve a trial; but as these ulcers general¬ 
ly proceed from an ill nabit of body, they will seldom yield to any 
thing except a long course of regimen, assisted by medicines which 
are calculated to correct that particular, habit, and to induce an ab 
most total change in the constitution. 


C H A P. XX ; 

O F D I SLOCATIO NS. 

W HEN'a bone, is moved out of its place or articulation, so as . 

to impede its proper functions, it is said to be luxated or di$~ ... 
located . As this often happens to persons in situations where no , 
medical assistance can be obtained, by which means limbs, and even 
lives, are frequently lost, we shall endeavour to point out the method 
of reducing the. most, common luxations, and those which require 
immediate assistance. Any person of common sense and resolution, 
■who is present when a dislocation happens, may often be of more 
service to the patient, than the most expert surgeon can after the • 
swelling and inflammation have come on. When these are present, 
it is difficult to know the state of the joint, and dangerous to attempt 
a reduction; and by waiting till they are gone off, the muscles be¬ 
come so relaxed, and the cavity tilled up, that the bone can never 
afterwards be.retained in its place. 

A recent dislocation may generally be reduced by extension alone, 
which must always be greater or less according to the strength of ‘ 
the muscles which move the joint, the age, robustness, and other 
circumstances of the patient. When the bone has been out of Us . 
place fora considerable time, and a swelling or inflammation has come 
on, it will be necessary to bleed the patient, and, after fomenting 
the part, to apply soft poultices with vinegar lo it for some time be¬ 
fore the reduction is attempted, 

* In ulcers of the lower limbs great benefit is often received from tight 
rollers, or wearing a laced ftockmg, as tins prevents the flux of humours ^ 
to, tihe fores, and difnofes them to heal, 

All , 




342 DISLOCATION O? THE JAW. 

All that is necessary after the reduction, is to apply cloths dipt in 
vinegar or catnphoratsid spirits of wine to the part, and to keep ltper-^ 
fectly e«%s'v. Many bad consequences proceed from the neglect of 
this rule. * A dislocation seldom happens without the tendons and 
ligaments of the joint being stretched and some times torn. When 
these are kept emy till they recover their strength and tone, all goes 
on very well ; but if the injury be increased by too frequent an exer¬ 
tion oi the parts, no wonder it they be found weaxand diseased ever 
after* 


DISLOCATION C-F THE JAW. 

THE. lower jaw way be luxated by yawning, blows, fall 0 , chew¬ 
ing hard substances, or the like. It is easily known from the pati* 
ent’s being upable to shut his mouth, or to eat any thing, as the 
teeth of the under jaw do not correspond with those of the upper; 
besides, the chin either hangs dow n, or is thrown toward one side, 
and the patient is neither able to speak distinctly, nor to swallow 
without c onsiderable difficulty. 

The usual method of reducing a dislocated jaw is to set the pati¬ 
ent upon a low stool, so as an assistant may hold the head firm by 
pressing it against his breast. The operator is then to thrust his 
two thumbs, being first wrapped up with linen cloths that they may 
not slip, as far back into the patient’s mouth as he can, while his 
fingers are applied to the jaw externally. After be hasgot firm hold 
of the jaw, he is to press it strongly downwards and backwards, by 
which means the elapsed heads of the jaw may be easily pushed in¬ 
to their former cavities. 

The peasants in some parts of the country have a peculiar way of 
performing this operation. One of them puts a handkerchief under 
the patient’s chin, their turning his back to that of the patient, pulls 
him up by the chin so as to suspend him from the ground. This 
method often succeeds, but we think it a dangerous one, and there¬ 
fore recommend the former. 


DISLOCATION OF THE NECK. 

THEnfeck maybe dislocated by falls, violent blows, or the like. 
In I his case, if the patient receives no assistance, he soon dies, which 
Drakes people imagine the neck was broken; it is however, for the 
most part only partially dislocated, and may be reduced by almost 
any person who has resolution enough to attempt it. A complete 
dislocation of the neck is instantaneous death. 

When the neck is dislocated, the patient is immediately deprived 
of all sense and motion; his nock swells, his countenance appears 
floated; his chin lies upon his breast, and Ins face is generally turn¬ 
ed towards one side. 

To 

4 A*- 


S43 


DISLOCATION OF THE RI 


T'* n 


To reduce this dislocation, the unhappy person should iramsdi- 


*• ji/i.v iic; uj*fc.ci ti uv ; ;n g iii. ivuees 

the patient's shoulders. In this posture he m.usd pull the head 
>vith considerable force, gently twisting it at toe same time, it the 
face be turned to one side, till bo perceives that the joint is rep tat > 
ed, wnich may be known from the noise vyliich tb.e bones genera’iy 
n^ake when going in, the patient’s beginning to breathe, and the 
Ilea i continuing in its natural posture. 

1 ms none of those operations which it is more easy to perforn* 
than describe. I have known instances of its being happily per¬ 
formed even by women, and often by men of no medical education. 
Alter the neck is reduced, the patient ought to be bled., and should 
be suffered to rest for some days, till the parts recover their proper 
feme. 


DISLOCATION OF THE RIBS. 

AS the articulation of the ribs with the back-bone is very strong, 
fhey are not often dislocated. It does however sometimes happen, 
which is a sufficient reason for our taking notice of if. When a rib 
is dislocated either upwards or downwards, in order to replace it, 
the patient should be laid upon his belly on a table, and the operator 
must endeavour to push the head of the bone into its proper place. 
Should this method not succeed, the arm of the disordered side may¬ 
be suspended over agate or ladder, and, while the ribs are thus 
stretched asunder, the heads of such as are out of place may be 
thrust into their former situation. 

Tiiose dislocations wherein the heads of the ribs are forced in¬ 
wards, are both more dangerous and the most difficult to reduce, as 
neither the hand nor any instrument can be applied internr.liy :o di¬ 
rect the luxated heads of the ribs. Almost the only thing that can 
he clone is, to lay (he patient upon his belly over a cask, or some 
gibbous body, and to move the fore-part of the rib inward towards 
the back sometimes shaking it; by this means the heads of the lux¬ 
ated ribs may slip into their former place, 

DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER. 

TITE humerus or upper bone of the arm may be dislocated in va¬ 
rious directions; it happens howevej* most frequently downwards, 
but very seldom directly upwards. From the nature of its articula¬ 
tion, as well as from.its exposure to external injuries, this bone is 
the most subject to dislocation ot any in the body. A dislocation 
of the humerus may be known by a depression or cavity on the top 
of the shoulder, and an inability to move t he arm. When the dislo¬ 
cation is downward or forward, the arm isj elongated, and a bailor 


844- DISLOCATION OF THE ELBOW. 

lump is perceived under the arm-pit; but when it is backward, there 
appears a protuberance behind the shoulder, and the arm is thrown 
lor v tr.ls toward the breast. 

Toe usuaj method of reducing disloc ations.of the shoulder is to 
seat the patient upon a low stool, and to cause an assistant to hold 
his body so that it may not give way to the extension, while another 
lays hold of the arm a little above the elbow, and gradually extends 
it. The operator thenjauts a napkin under the patients arm, and 
causes it to be tied behind ins own neck: by this, while a sufficient 
extension is made,, he lifts up the head of the bone, and with his 
hao is directs it into its proper place. There are various machines 
invented far facilitating this operation, but the hand of an expert 
surgeon is always more safe. In young and delicate patients, I have 
generally found it a very easy matter to reduce the shoulder, by ex¬ 
tending the arm with one hand, and thrusting in the head of the bone 
with the other. In making the extension, the arm ought always to 
fce a little bent,. 


DISLOCATION OF THE ELBOW. 

THE bones of the fore-arm may be dislocated in any direction. 
When this is -he case, a protuberance may be observed on that side 
of the arm towards which the bone is pushed, from which, and the 
patient’s inability to bend his arm, a dislocation of this joint may 
easily be known. 

Two assistants are generally necessary for reducing a dislocation 
of the elbow ; one of them . must lay hold of the arm above, and 
the other below the joint, and make a pretty strong extension, while 
the operator returns the bones into their proper place. Afterwards 
the arm must be bent, and suspended for some time with a sling 
about the neck. 

Luxations of the wrist and fingers are to be reduced in the same 
manner as those of the elbow ; viz. by making an extension ink 
ditfeient directions, and thrusting the head of the bone into itss 
place. 

DISLOCATION OF THE THIGH. 

WHEN the thigh-bone is dislocated forward and downward, the/ 
knee and foot are turned out, and the leg is longer than the other; 
but when ;t is.displaced backward, it is usually pushed upward at 
the same time, by which means the limb is shortened, and the foot 
is turned inwards 

When the thigh-bone is displaced forward and downward, the-. 
patient, in order to have it reduced, must be laid upon his back and 
made fast by bandages, or held by assistants, while by others an ex¬ 
tension is made by means of slings fixed about the bottom of the thigh 
a., little above the knees. While the extension is made, the opera oc 

must 


Si 5 


OF BROKEN BONES, &c. 

-must push the head of the bor.e outward, till it gets into the socket. 
If the dislocation be outward, the patient must be laid upon his face, 
and, during the extension, the head of the bone must be pushed in¬ 
ward. 

Dislocations of the knees, ancles, and toes, are reduced much in 
the same manner as those of the upper extremities, viz. by making 
an extension in opposite directions, while the operator replaces the 
bones. In many cases, however, the extension alone is sufficient 
and the bone will slip into its place merely by pulling the limb with 
sufficient force. It is not hereby meant, that force alone is suffici¬ 
ent for lire reduction of dislocations. Skill and address will of'en 
succeed better than force. I have known a dislocation of the thigh 
reduced by one man, after all the force that could be used by six had 
proved ineffectual. 


C II A P. LIL 
OF BROKEN BONES, &c. 

T HERE isyin most villages, some person who pretends to the 
art of reducing fractures. Though in general such persons are 
very ignorant, yet some of them are very successful; which evident¬ 
ly proves, that a small degree of learning, with a sufficient share of 
common sense anti a mechanical head, will enable a man to be use¬ 
ful in this way. We would, however, advise people never to em¬ 
ploy such operators, when an expert and skilful surgeon can be had ; 
but when that is impracticable, they must be employed ; we shall 
therefore recommend the following Hints to their consideration; 

When a large bone is broken, the patient's diet ought in.ail re- 
spectspo be the same'as in an inflammatory fever. He should like¬ 
wise be kept quiet and cool, and his body open by emollient clys¬ 
ters; ’or, if these cannot be conveniently administered, by food that 
is of an opening quality ; as stewed prunes,, apples boiled in milk, 
boiled spinage, and the like. It ought however to be here remarked, 
that persons who have been accustomed to live high, are not all of 
a sudden to be reduced to a very low diet,. This might Tave fatal 
effects. There is often a necessity for indulging even bad habits, 
jii some measure, where the nature of the disease might require a 
different treatment. 

It will generally be necessary to bleed the patient immediately 
after a fraclure, especially if he be young, of a full habit, or has at 
the same time received any bruise or contusion. This operation 
should not only be performed soon after the accident happens, but 
if the patient be very feverish, it may be repeated next day. When 
several of- the ribs are broken, bleeding is peculiarly necessary. 

If any of the large bones which support the bod) are broken, the 
patient must keep his bed for several weeks. It is by no means ne¬ 
cessary, 



34 5 


OF BROKEN BONES, &c. 


cessary, however that he should lie all that time; as is customary,; 
upon Lis back. This situation sinks the spirits, galls and frets the 
patient’s '•kin, and renders him very uneasy. After the second week 
he may he gently raised up, and may sit several hours, supported 
by a bed-chair, or the like, which will greatly relieve him. Great 
care, however, must be taken in raising him up and laying him down, 
that he make no exertions himself,, otherwise the action of the mus¬ 
cles may. pull the bone out of its place*. 

It is of great importance to keep the patient dry and clean while 
in this situation'. By neglecting this, he is often so galled and ex¬ 
coriated, toot he is forced to keep shifting' places for ease. I have 
known a fractured thigh-bone, after it had been kept straight for 
above a fortnight, displaced by this means, and continue befit lor 
Lie, in spite of all that could be done. 

It has been 'customary when a bone was broken, to keep the limb 
for live or si>: weeks c r tinuailv upon the stretch. But this ts a bad 
postuie. It is both uneasy to the patient, and unfavourable to the 
The best situation is to keep (he limb a little bent This-is 


cure. 


tde posture into v hich every animal puts its limbs when it goes to 
rest, and in which fewest muscles are upon the stretch I r is easily 
effected, by either laying the patient upon his side, or making the 
bed co as to favour this position of the limb. 

Bone-setters ought carefully to Examine whether the bone be not 
shaUtred or broken into several pieces. In this case uiuvii! some- 
b a is a be necessary to have the Inhb ifhmediatelv taken OiTI other¬ 
wise a gang rend-of mortification may ensue. The horror which at¬ 
tends the very idea of an amputation, often occasions its being de¬ 
layed in such <ases till too late- I have known this principle ope- 
i'ate i,o strongly, that a hmb, where the bones were shattered into 
more than twenty pieces, was not amputated before the third day 
alter the accident, when the gangrene had proceeded so far as to 
render the operation useless. 

4 

When a fracture is accompanied with .a wound, it must be dressed 
in all inspects as a common wound. T c, .. .. ' 

A: II that art can do tow aids the cure of a broken bene, is to lay Hi' 
perfectly straight; ana to keep it quite easy. All .tight bahVtage? 
<io hurt. The,- h.'.:l much belter be wanting altogether. A great, 
liruftv of tfiC bar) cor sequences v\ hich succeed to fractured bones are 
owing to tight bandages. Tips is one of the ways in which excess, 
of art, or rather the abased! it, does more,mischief than would bq 
Occasional by the Want of it. Some of the most sudden cures ,of 
ten bones wim'h we:e ever known, happened where no 


* Various pistes of machinery have been contrived for sonnter.nh'rtgthd 
force of die ik uicies, and te« aming the fragments of broken bones; but as 
ciH crip - , ions of thefe without drawings, would be of little ufe, i fhall refer 
tlai re?:der to a chetOp and uleful performance “on the nature iud cure or 
iV?i,Vai es.” lately pubtithed by my ingenious iVreh.d Mr. Aitken, furge/m in; 
Edinburgh*: wherein, that gent! Avian has' hot only given an account; of the 
machine 1 rdcoirmended in i'h M'VeS by former authors, but has kl.ewife add¬ 
ed fevefal ir yp-rw'einents of hiVowf'. which are peculiarly ufeful in compound* 
fvaftm-csf and m/Case' where pat ient r v. ith Uokeu bones are obliged to be 
fratdbbtftedifaik’ami' ptUcV V) AibUi'eSrV 


347 


OF S T R A I N S. 

?j^es vvere applied - at a!!. borne method however must he taken to 
keep the member steady ; but this may be done many wajs with¬ 
out bracing it with a tight bandage. 

The beot method of retention is by two or more splints made of 
leather or pasteboard. These, if moistened before they be applied, 
soon assume the shape of the included member, and are sufficient, 
by the assistance of a very slight bandage, for all the purposes of 
retention • T lie bandage which we would recommend, is that made 
with twelve or eighteen fails. It is much easier applied and taken 
off than rollers, and answers all the purposes of retention equally 
well. The splints should always be as long as the limb, with holes 
cut for the ancles when the fracture is in the leg. 

In fractures of the ribs, where a bandage cannot be properly used, 
an adhesive piaster may be applied over the part. The patient in 
this case ought to keep himself quite easy, avoiding every thing that 
may occasion sneezing, laughing, coughing, or the like, hie ought 
to keep his body in a stiaight posture, and should take care that 
his stomach be constantly distended, by taking frequently some light 
food, and drinking freely ot weak watery liquors, 

The most proper external application for a fracture is ozy crate. or 
a mixture of vinegar and water. The bandages snouldbe wet with, 
this at every dressing. 

OF STRAINS. 

STRAINS are often attended with Worse consequences than bro¬ 
ken bones. The rea o'n is obvious; they are generally neglected. 
When a bone is broken, the patient is obliged to keep the member 
easy, because he cannot make use of it; but when a joint is only 
strained, the person, finding lie can still make a shift to move it, fs 
sorry to lose los time lor so trilling an ailment. In this way he de¬ 
ceives himself, and converts into an incurable malady what m : ght 
have been removed by only keeping the part easy for a few days. 

Country people generally immerse a strained limb in cold water. 
This is very proper provided it be done immediately, and not kept 
in too long. But the custom of keeping the part immersed in cold 
water for a long time is certa.nly dangerous. It relaxes instead of 
bracing the part, and is more likely to produce a disease than re¬ 
move one. 

Wrapping a garter, or some other bandage, pretty tight about the 
strained part, is likewise of use. It helps to restore the proper tone 
of the vessels, and prevents the action of the parts from increasing 
the disease. It should not however be applied too tight. I have 
frequently known bleeding near the affected part have a very good 
effect: but what we would recommend above all is ecuc. It is more 

A 3 It* 



<J ‘VO 


kj r k u r I U K o. 


to- be depended oii tlian ahy medicine, and seldom foils to remove ihe 
complaint*. 

O F R U P T U R E S. 

CHILDREN and old people are most liable (o'this disease. In 
the former it is generally occasioned by excessive' crying, cough¬ 
ing, vomiting, or the like. In the latter, it is commonly the effect 
of blows or violent exertions of the strength, as leaping, carrying 
great weights, &;c. In both a relaxed habit, indolence, and an oily 
'or very-moist diet,dispose the body to this disease. 

A rupture sometimes proves fatal before it is discovered. When¬ 
ever sickness, vomiting, and o-bslinate costiveness give reason to sus¬ 
pect an obstruction of the bowels, all those places where ruptures 
usually happen ought carefully to be examined. The prolusion of a 
very small part of the gut will occasion all these symptoms; and, if 
not returned in due time, will prove fatal. 

On the first appearance of a rupture in an infant, it ought to be 
laid upon its back, with its head very low. While in this posture, 
if the gut does not return of itself, it may easily be put up by gen¬ 
tle pressure. After it is returned a piece of sticking-plaster may be 
applied over the part, and a proper truss or bandage must be con¬ 
stantly worn fora considerable time. The method of making and 
applying these rupture-bandages for children is pretty well known. 
The child must, as far as possible, be kept from crying, and from all 
violent exertions, 'till the'rupture is quite healed. 

In adults, when the gut has been forced down with great violence, 
'or happens from any cause to be inflamed, there is often great diiti- 
culty in returning it, and Sometimes the thing is quite impracticable 
without an operation ; a description of which is foreign to our pur¬ 
pose. As I have been fortunate enough, however, always to suc¬ 
ceed in my attempts to return the gut, without having recourse to 
any other means than what are in the power of every man, I shall 
briefly mention the method which I generally pursue. 

After the patient has been bled, he must be laid upon his back, 
with his head yery low, and his breech raised high with pillows. 
In this situation flannel-cloths wrung out of a decoction of mallows 
and camomile-flowers, or, if these are not at lit - of warm water, 
must be applied for-n considerable time. A cluster made of this 
decoction, with a large spoonful of barter and an ounce or two of 
■salt, may be afterwards thrown up. If these should not prove suc¬ 
cessful, recourse must be had to pressure. If the tumour be very 
Lard, considerable force will be necessary; but it is not force alone 

* A great many external applications are recommended for strains, fome 
of which do good, and others hurt. The following are inch as may be ufed 
with the greateft fafety, viz. poultices made of {tale beer or vinegar and oat¬ 
meal, camphorated fpilits of wine, Mindererus’s fpirit, volatile liniment, 
volatile aromatic fpirit diluted with a. double quantity of water, and the 
common fomentation, with, the addition of brandy or fpirit of wine. 

* ' which 


OF CASUA L T I E S. 


349 


'kdvich succeeds here. The operator, at the.same time that lie makes 
a p-resswe with the palms of his. hands, mus.t with his fingers artful¬ 
ly conduct the gut in by the same aperture through w'hich it came 
cut. The manner of doing this can be much easier conceived than 
described. Should these endeavours prove ineffectual, clysters of 
the smoke of tobacco may be tried.- These have been often.known 
to succeed where every other method failed., 

There is-reason to believe that, .by persisting in the use cf these,. 
and such other means, as the-circumstances of the case may suggest, 
most hernias might be reduced without an operation. Cutting for. 
the hernia is a nice and difficult matter. . I would therefore advise 
surgeons to try every method of returning the gut before they have 
recourse to the knife. I have.once and again succeeded by perse¬ 
vering, in my endeavours, after eminent surgeons had declared the 
reduction of the gut imprac ticable without an operatic!).*; 

An adult, after the gut has, been returned, must wear a steel 
bandage. It is needless to describe this, as it may always be had 
read)-tnade from the artists. Such bandages are generally uneasy to 
the wearer for some time, but by custom they become quite easy. No 
person who has had a ruptuie after he arrived at man’s estate should 
ever be without one of those bandages. 

Persons who have a rupture ought carefully to avoid all violent, 
exercise, .carrying great weights, leaping* running, and the like. 
They should likewise avoid windy aliment and strong liquors.; and 
should carefully guard against catching cold, . 


e H A P. Mill 
OF CASUALTIES.. 

~jfT is certain that life, when to all appearance lost, may often, by 
Jl due care, be restored. Accidents frequently prove fata!, mere- 
Jv because proper means are not. us.eddo. counteract their effects. 

No person.ought to be looked upon as killed by any accident un¬ 
less where the structure of the heart,brain, (>r some organ necessary 
to life, is evidently destroyed. The action cf these organs may be-, 
be so far impaired as even.to be.for some time imperceptible, when “ 
life is by no means gone. In this case, however, if the fluids be 
suffered to grow cold, it will be impossible to put them again in mo¬ 
tion, even though the solids should recover their power of acting. 
Thus, when the motion,.of the lungs lias been stopt by unwholesome 

* X would here beg leave to recommend it to every praftioner* when his . 
patient complains of pain in the belly with .obftinate cofliveneis, to examine 
the prom's and every place where a rupture may happen, in order that it may 
he immediately reduced. By neglecting this, many penfh who were net r 
fufpeiftcd to have had ruptures till after they wire dead. I have known this 
happen where- half £ dozen of. the faculty were in attendance, 

vapour. 





5bO 


SUBSTANCES STOPT BETWEEN' 


vapour, the action of the heart by a stroke on the breast, or the func¬ 
tions of the brain by a blow on the head, if the person ke suffered- 
to grow cold, he will in all probability continue so ; but, if the body 
be kept warm, as soon as the injured part has recovered its power 
of acting, the fluids will again begin to move, and all the vital func¬ 
tions will be restored. 

It is a. horrid custom immediately to consign over to death every 
person who has the 1 misfortune, L) a tail, a blow, or the like, to ue 
•deprived of the appearance of hie. The nnhapp) person instead 
<>f being carried into a warm house, and laid by the fire, or put to 
a warm bed, is generally burned away to chu cb, or a barn, or 
come other cold damp house, where, after a., fruitless attempt has 
been made to bleed him; perhaps by one who knew routing of the 
matter, he isgiven over for dead; and no further notice taken of 
him. This conduct seems to btjUhe result of 'gnorance, supported 
b.'v an ancient superstitious iupdon, which forbids the body of any 
person hilled by accident to be laid in an house that is inhabited. 
What the ground of this superstition may be, we .-ball not pretend 
to inquire; but surely the conduct founded upon it is contrary to all 
the principles of reason, hirvianity, and common sense. 

When a person seems to be suddenly deprived of lib*, our first 
business is to inquire into the cause. We ought carefully to observe 
whether anv substance b,e lodged in (fie windpipe or gullet; and if 
that is the case., attempts must he made to remove it. When un¬ 
wholesome air is the cause, the patient ought immediately to be re¬ 
moved out it. It' the circulation be suddenly stopped, from any 
cause whatever, except mere weakness, the patient should be bled. 
If die blood does not How, he may he immersed in warm water, or 
rubbed with warm cloths, &c. 1 > promote the c ire ujat iei#. When, 
life cause cannot be suddenly removed, our great aim must be (c> 
keep up the vital warmth, by nibbing the patient with hot cloths, 
or salt, and covering his body with warm sand, a hys or the like 

I ,should now proceed to treat more fully of those accidents, which 
without immediate asWlapce, would often piove fatal, and to point 
out the most.likely means for relieving the unhappy suffeiers; but as 
I have been happily antic ipaled in this part of. my subject by the. 
learned ai£d humane Dr. Tissol, I shall content my self with select¬ 
ing such ot his observations as seem to be the; most important, 
end adding such oi my own as have occurred in the course qt nrac-’ 
tice. 


GF SUBSTANCES STOPT BETW 
MOUTH AND STOMACH 


>r > Tv T 

iblbW" 


the 


THOUGH accidents, of this kind are very common, and ex¬ 
tremely danprwoim, yet (hey me generally the effect of cai eiessness. 
Ghlcnen si ; ou lit be taught to chew their food well, ami to put no¬ 
thing into their mouths which it would be d mgerous for them to swal¬ 
low, Bui chlichen uj c not the only perrons guilty of this piece ot 

imprudence 




THE 'MOUTH AXD STOMACH. 


351 


imprudence. I know many adults who put pins, nails, and other 
sharp-pointed substances in their mouths upon every occasion, and 
some who even sleep with the former there all night. This conduct 
4s exceedingly injudicious, as a fit of c oughing, or twenty other ac¬ 
cidents, may force over the substance befoie the person is aware*. 

When any substance is detained in the gullet, there are two ways, 
of removing it, viz. either by extracting it, or pushing it down. 
The safest and most certain way is to extract it; but this is not al¬ 
ways the easiest; it may therefore be more eligible sometimes to 
thrust it down, especially when the obstructing body is of such a na¬ 
ture, that there is no danger from its reception into the stomach. 
The substances which may be pushed down without danger are, all 
common nourishing ones, as bread, flesh, fruits, and the like, Ail 
indigestible bodies, as cork, wood, bones, pieces of metal, and 
such like, ought if possible to be extracted, especially if these bodies 
be sharp pointed, as pins, needles, fish-bones, bits of glass', &c. 

When such substances have not passed in too deep, we should 
endeavour to extract them with our fingers, which method often 
succeeds. When they are lower, we must make use of nippers, or 
a small pair of forceps, such as surgeons use. But this attempt to 
extrac t rarely succeeds, if the substance be of a flexible nature, and 
has descended far into the gullet. 


If the fingers and nippers fail, or cannot bp duly applied, crotch¬ 
ets, a kind of hooks, must be employed. These may be made at 
once*,, by bending a piece of pretty strong iron wire at ore end. It 
must be introduced in the flat wqy ; and for the better conducting 
there should hkwise be a curve or bending at the end it is held by, 
to serve as a kind of handle to it; which has this further use, that 
it may be secured by a string tied to it, a circumstance net to be 
omitted in any instrument employed on such occasions, to avoid such 
hi accidents as have sometimes ensued from these instruments slip¬ 
ping out of the operator’s hand After the crotchet lias passed be- 
j >w the substance that obstructs (he passage, it is drawn up again, 
and hooks up the body along with it. The crotchet is also very- 
convenient, when a substance somewhat flexible, as a pin or fi -:h-bone- 
sticks across the gullet, the hook, in such cases, seizing them about 
their middle part crooks and thus disengages them; or, if they are- 
vc: y brittle substances, serves to break them. 

Ween the obstructing bodies are small, and only stop up a part 
of the passage, and which may either easily clu^de the hook, orstrait- 
ten it by their resistance, a kind of rings, made either of wire, wool, 
or silk, may be used. A piece of fine wire of a proper length 
may be bent into a circle, about the middle, of about an inch diame¬ 
ter, and. the long unbent sides brought parallel, and near each other:- 
these are to be held in the hand, ami the circular part or ring intro¬ 
duced into the gullet, in order to be conducted about the obstruct¬ 
ing body, and so to extract it. More flexible rings may be made 


* A woman in one of the hofpitals of this city lately difebarg-ed a great 
number of pins, which the had i wall owed in. the courle of her buiinef? 
through an ulcer in her fide. 



352 


SUBSTANCES STOPT BETWEEN.' 


of wool, thread, silk, or small pack-thread, which may be waxed 
for their greater strength and consistence. One of these is to be¬ 
tted fast to a -handle of iron vvirey whale-bone, or any kind of flexi¬ 
ble wood, andub-y tins means introduced, in order to surround the 
obstructing substance,- and to- draw it out. Several of these rings 
passed through one another may be used, the more certainly to Jay 
hold of the obstructing body, which may be- involved by one, if 
another should miss U. These rings have one advantage, which is, 
that when- the substance to be extracted is once laid hold of, it may 
then, by turning-the-handle, be retained so strong!v in the ring thus 
twisted, as to be moved every way, .which must in.many cases be a- 
considerable advantage. 

Another material employed on those unhappy occasions, is the 
sponge. Its property of swelling considerably on bc:ng wet is the 
principal,■ foundation-, of its < usefulness here. If any substance is 
slept in the-gullet/ but without fining up liie whole passage, a bit; 
of sponge may be introduced into that part which is unstopf, and 
bcyo'nd the substance.- Tire sponge!soon dilates, and grows larger 
in this moist situation; and indeed the enlargement of it may be 
forwarded by- making the patient swallow a few. drops of water. 
Afterwards it to be drawn back by the handle to which it is fas* 
toned ; and as itivnow loo large to return, through the small cavity by., 
which it was convened in,, it draws out- tbs obstructing body along 
with it.. 

The com-pressibiliiy of .sponge is another foundation of its useful¬ 
ness in such cases., A prefy large piece of sponge may. be com- 
pressed or squeezed into a small' size, by winding a string of tape 
closely about if, which may be easily unwound, and withdrawn, after 
the sponge has been introi.uced. A'bit of- sponge may likewise he 
compressed by. a piece of whale-bone split at one end; but this can.-, 
hardly be introduced in such a manner as not to hurt tlie patient. 

I h ave often k now it- pins and other sharp bodies, which-had stuck 
in the throat, brought up by .causing the person to swallow a bit of - 
tough meat lied to a thread, and drawing it quickly up again. This 
is.safer than swallowing sponge,, and will often answer the purpose ■ 
equally wdli 

When all ihe«e methods prove unsuccessful,. there remains one 
more, which is, to make the patient vomit: but this can scarcely be 
of any service, unless when such obstructing bodies are-simply cm"-. 
gaged in, and not hooked or stuck into ti e sides of the gullet, as in 
tins case vomiting might sometimes ocea don further mischief. If 
the patient can swallow, vomiting may be excited by taking half' 
a drachm or two scruples of ipecacuanha in powder made into a, 
draught. If he is not able to swallow,, an attempt may be made to 
ext i«e vomiting, by tickling his throat with a feather; and, if tho.1, 
should not succeed, a clyster ol tobacco mav bo administered, jfc 
is made by boding an ounce of tobacco in a sufficient quantity of 
wafer ; fins hurt often been found to succeed, when other attempts, 
to exotic vomiting had laded. 

When the obstructing body is of such a nature that if may with 
safe”'y be pushed downward', this may be attempted by means of 

a wax- 



THE MOUTH AND STOMACH. 


r> 

h d ;> 


‘a wax-candle oiled, and a little heated, so as to make it flexible-; 
ora piece of whale-bone, wire, or'‘flexible wood, with a sponge 
fastened to one end. 


Should if be impossible to extract even those bodies'which it is 
dangerous to admit into the stomach, vve must their prefer the least 
of two evils, -and- rather run the hazard of pushing them down-than 
sillier the patient to perish in a few minutes: and we ought to scru¬ 
ple this resolution the less, as a great many instances have happened, 
where the swallowing of such hurtful and diuligestible’ substances 
iia? been followed by no disorder. 

Whenever it is manifest that all endeavours, Mother fo extract or 


"push down the substance, must prove ineffectual, they should be dis¬ 
continued; because the inflammation occasioned by persisting in 
'them might be as dangerous as the obsteniction itself. Some have 
died in consequence of the inflammation, even after the body which 
caused the obstruction had been entirely removed. 


While'-the means recommended above are making o«e of, The pa¬ 
tient should often swallow, or, if he cannot, lie should frequently 
receive by injection through a crooked tube or'.pipe that may react; 
down to the gullet, some emollient liquor, as warm milk and water, 
barley-water, or a decoction of malloWs. Injections of this kind 
not only soften and sooth the irritated parts, but, when thrown in 
with force, are often more successful in loosening the obstruction 
'than ail attempts with instruments. 

When, after all our endeavours, we are obliged to leave the ob¬ 
structing body in the part, the patient must be treated as if he Had- 
nil inflammatory disease. He should be bled, kept upon a low diet, 
and have his whole neck surrounded with emollient poultices. The 
like treatment must also be used, if there be any reason to suspect 
an inflammation of the passages, though the obstructing body be re- 


‘moved. 


A proper degree of agitation has sometimes loosened the inhering 
body more effectually than instruments. Thus a blow on the back, 
has often forced up a substance which stuck in the gullet; but 
this is still more proper and efficacious when the substance gets into 
the wind-pipe. In this case vomiting and sneezing are likewise to be 
excited. Pins which stuck in the gullet have been frequently dis¬ 
charged by riding on horse-back, or in a carriage. 

When any indigestible substance has been forced down into the 
stomach, the patient should use a very mild and smooth diet, con¬ 
sisting chiefly of fruits and farinaceous substances, as puddings, pot¬ 
tage, and soups. He should avoid all heating and irritating filings, 
as wine, punch, pepper, and such like; and his drink should be mil!: 
and water, barley-water, or whey. 

When the gullet is so strongly and fully closed, that the patient, 
can receive no food by the mouth, he must be nourished by clysters 
of soup, jelly, and the like. 

When the* patient is in danger of being immediately suffocated, 
and all hope of freeing the passage is vanished, so that death seems 
at hand, if respiration be not restored; the operation of brondtpla- 
my, or opening of the wind-pipe, must be directly performed. As 

this. 



354 


OF DR OWN £ D PERSONS.'- V 

this operation is neither difficuIt to an expert surgeon, nor very; 
painful to the patient, and is often the only method which can be 
taken to preserve life in these emergencies, we thought proper to 
hieution it, though it should only be attempted by persons skilled in 
surgery, 

OF DROWNED PERSONS. 

WHEN a person has remained above a quarter of an hour un¬ 
der water, there can be no considerable hopes of his recovery. But 
as several circumstances may happen to have continued life, in such 
an unfortunate situation, beyond the ordinary term, we should never 
too soon resign the unhappy object to his fate, but try every method 
for this relief, as there are many well attested proofs of tire recovery 
of persons to life and health who had been taken out of the water 
apparently dead, and who remained a considerable time without ex¬ 
hibiting any signs of life. 

The first thing to he done* after the body is taken out of the wa¬ 
ter, is to convey it as soon as possible to some convenient place 
where the necessary operations for its recovery may be performed. 
In doing this, care must be taken not to bruise or injure the body 
by earn ing it in any unnatural posture with the head downwards, or 
the like. If an adult body, it ought to he laid on a bed, or on straw 
with the head a little raised, and carried on a cart or on men's shoul¬ 
ders, and kept in as natural and easy a position as possible. A small 
body ma.V be carried in the arms. 

In attempting to recover persons apparently drowned, the prin¬ 
cipal intention to be pursued is, to restore the naturiil ziarmth, upon 
which all the vital functions depend ; and to excite these functions 
by the application of stimulants, not only to the skin, but likewise 
to the lungs, intestines, &e. 

Though cold was by no means the cause of the person's death, yet 
it will prove an effectual obstacle to his recovery. For this reason, 
stripping him of his wet clothes, his body must be strongly rubbed 
for a considerable time with coarse linen "Cloths, as wairrias they can 
be made; and, as soon as a well-heated bed can be got ready, he may be 
lain in it, and the rubbing should be continued. Warm cloths ought 
likewise to be frequently applied to the stomach and bowels, and 
hot bricks, or bottles of warm water, to the soles of his feet, and 
to the palms of his hands. 

Strong volatile spirits should be frequently applied to the nose; 
and the spine of the back and pit of the stomach may he rubbed 
with warm brandy or spirit of wine. The temples ought also to be 
chafed with volatile spirits; and stimulating powders, as that of to¬ 
bacco or marjoram, may be blown up the nostiils. 

To renew the breathing a strong person may blow his own breath 
into the patient's mouth with all the force he can, holding his nos¬ 
tril at the same time. When it can be perceived by the rising of the 
chest or belly that the lungs are filled with air, the person ought to 

desisl 


l 


b F DROWNED PE R5 0 NS. 


355 


vmg.' and should' press die breast and^ bell/sa as to 
rain; and this operation may be repeated forsomt* 


V • . « • 

: desist frrim blow 

'^xpel the air again; and this operation may be repeated 
time, alternately inflating and depressing the'lurigs s'o" as to imitates 
natural respiration. 

II the lungs' cannot be inflated in this manner,'it may be attempt¬ 
ed by blowing through one of the nostrils, and at ‘ tire ' same time 
keeping the other Close* 'Dr ‘Monro for this purpose reconimend^-. 
a wooden pipe 1 fitted at one end for filling the nostril, v and at the 

einp" bloWn into 1 hv a f»iF»r«nn’« f nwin'fh ’ 'Or' rCC*. * Vi jV«t 


ether for being bloWn into by a person’smouth,'or far receiving the 
pipe of 3. pair of bellows, to be employed for the ‘same purpose, if 
r necessary. 

When air cannot be forced into* die f chest by the mouth hr nose*. 
Jt may be necessary to make an Spelling “into the wind-pipe for this 
purpose. It is needless, however, to spend lime in describing th% 
operation,- as it should not be attempted unless by -pUrsdns skilled, 
"in surgery. 

To stimulate the intestines, the fame'of tobacco may be thrown 
‘up in form of'clyster. There are various pieces of apparatus coiw 
drived for this purpose Which may be used when at hand; but wliere= 
■these cannot be obtained, the business may be'done by a common. 
tobaCco pipe. The bowl of the pipe must be filled With tobacco well 
■kindled, and, after the small tube has been introduced into the fun*, 
dament, the shtoak may be forced up by blowing through a piece ©F 
paper full of holes wrapped found the mouth of the pipe, or by 
blowing through an empty pipe, the mouth of which is applied close 
do that 6f the other. This tnay also be done in the following manner s 
A common clyster-pipe with a bag’mounted upon it may be intro¬ 
duced into the fundament, and the mduth of the bag may b'e applied 
■round' trie 'small endof a tobacco-pipe, in the bowl of which tobac- 
’co is to be kindled, and the smoke blown up as directed above. Should 
it be found impracticable to throw up the Brooke of tobacco, clysters 
of warm Water, with the addition of a little sailt and some Wine or 
spirits, may be frequently administered. This may be done by a. 
common Clyster-bag and pipe; but, as it ought to be thrown well 
lip, a pretty large syringe will answer the purpose better. 

While these things are doing, some of the attendants ought to be 
preparing a warm bath, into which the person should be'put, if the 
above endeavours prove Ineffectual, Where there are no conveni- 
encies for Using the warm bath, the body "may be covered with warm, 
salt, sand, ashes, grains, or such like, Tissot mentions an Instance 
of a girl who was restored to life, after she had been taken out 'of 
the water, swelled, bloated, and to ail appearance dead, by living 
her naked body Upon hot ashes, covering her with others equally hot 
putting a bonnet round her he'Ud, and a stocking found her ncek, 
stuffed with the same, and heaving coverings overall. After she 
had remained half air hour in this situation, her pulse returned, she 
recovered speech) and cried out, J freeze s 1 freeze; U little cherry- 
brand’ 


,j was given her-, arid she remained buried a< it Were Under 
the ashes for eight hours; afterwards she Was taken out) without 
niaint 


any other com* 
wvnl off in a few day s 


except that of lassitude or weariness, which 
5 . The Doctor motions likewise an instance 

of 





S 56 


OF DROWNED PERSONS. 


of a man who was restored to life, after lie had remained six hours 
under water, by the heat of a dunghill. 

Till the patient shews some signs of life, and is able to swallow, 
it would be useless and even dangerous to pour liquors into his 
mouth. His lips however, and tongue, may bo frequently wet 
•with a feather dipt in warm brandy or other strong spirits; and, as 
soon as he* lias recovered the power of swallowing, a little warm 
wine, or some ether cordial, ought every now and then to be admi¬ 
nistered. 

Some recommend a vomit after the patient is a little re-animated; 
but if he can be made to puke without the sickening draught, it will 
be more safe : this may generally be done by tickling the throat and 
fauces with an oiled feather, or some other soft substance, which 
will not injure the parts. Tissot in this case recommends the oxymel 
of squills, a table-spoonful of which, diluted with water, may be 
given every quarter of an hour, till the patient has taken five or six 
doses Where that medicine -s not at hand, a strong infusion of 
sage, camomile-flowers, or cardans benedictus , sweetened with ho¬ 
ney, or some warm water, with the addition of a little salt, may, 
he says, supply its place. The Doctor does not intend that any of 
these things should he given in such quantity as to occasion vomiting. 
He thinks emetics in this situation are not expedient. 

We are by no means to discontinue our assistance as soon as the 
patients discover some tokens of life, since they sometimes expire 
after these first appearances of recovering. The warm and stimu¬ 
lating applications are still to be continued, and small quantities of 
some cordial liquor ought frequently to be administered. Lastly, 
though the person should be manifestly re-animated, there sometimes 
remains an oppression, a cough, and feverishness, which effectually 
constitute a disease. In this case it will be necessary to bleed the 
patient in the arm and to cause him to drink plentifully of barley- 
water, eldernftower-tea, or any other soft pectoral infusions. 

Such persons as have the misfortune’-to be deprived of the appear¬ 
ance.-s of life, by a fall, a blow,’suffocation, or-the like, must be. 
treated nearly in the same mamiepUs those who have been for some 
time under water. I once attended a patient who w r as so sinned by 
a fall from a horse, that for above six hours he scarcely exhibited any 
signs of life; yet this man, by being bled, and proper methods tak¬ 
en to keep up the vital warmth, recovered, and in a few days was 
perfectly Dr. Alexander gives an instance to the same purpose 

in the Physical and Literary Essays, of a man who was 

£o all appe^ijbnc^ kdled by a blow on the breast, but recovered up¬ 
on being fmMfe-sed for some time in warm water. These, and other 
' instance's of a similar nature, ,which might be adduced, amount to a 
full proof of this fact, that many of those pnhappy persons who 
lose their lives by falls, blows, and other accidents, might b‘& saved 
bp the xw oj' proper means duty persisted pi. 


OF 


I 357 ) 


OF NOXIOUS VAPOURS, 

AIR may be many ways rendered noxious, or even destructive to 
animals. This may either happen from its vivifying principle being 
destroyed, or from subtle exhalations with which it is impregnated. 
Thus air that has passed through burning fuel is neither capable of 
supporting fire nor the life of animals. Hence the danger of sleep¬ 
ing in close chambers with coal fires. Some indeed suppose the 
danger here proceeds from the sulphureous oil contained in the 
coal, which is s.et at liberty and diffused all over the chamber*; while 
others imagine it is owing to the air of the room being charged with 
phlogiston. Be this as it may, it is a situation carefully to be avoid¬ 
ed. Indeed it is dangerous to sleep in a small apartment vyith a fire 
of any kind. I lately saw four persons who had been suffocated by 
sleeping in an aoartment where a small fire of coal had been left 
burning. 

The vapour which exhales from wane, cyder, beer, or other liquors 
in the state of fermentation, contains something poisonous, which 
kills in the same manner as the vapour of coal. Hence there is al¬ 
ways danger ingoing into cellars where a large quantity of these li¬ 
quors,. is in a state of fomentation, especially if they have been 
close shut up for some time. There have been many instances of 
persons struck dead on entering such places, and of others who have 
with difficulty escaped. 

When subterraneous caves, that have been very long shut, are 
opened, or when deep wells are cleaned, which have not been 
emptied for several years, the vapours arising from them produce 
the same effects as those mentioned above. For this reason no person 
ought to venture into a well, pit, cellar, or any place that is clamp 
and has been long shut up, till the air has been sufficiently purified, by 
burning gunpowder in it. It is easy to know,, as has been observed 
in a former partof this work, when the air of such places is unwhole¬ 
some, by letting down a lighted candle, throwing in burning fuel, 
or the like. If these continue to burn, people may safely venture 
in ; but where they are suddenly extinguished, no one ought to en¬ 
ter till the air has been first purified by fire. 

The offensive smell of lamps and of candles, especially when 
their fiames are extinguished, operate like other vapours, though 
with less violence, and less suddenly. There have however been 
instances of people killed by the fumes of lamps which had beea. 
extinguished in a close chamber, and persons of weak delicate breasts 
generally find themselves quickly oppressed in apartments illuminat¬ 
ed with many candles. 

Such as are sensible of their danger in these situations, and re¬ 
treat seasonably from it, are generally relieved as soon as they get 
into the open air, or, if they have any remaining uneasiness, a little 
water and vinegar, or lemonade, drank hot, affords them relief. But 
when they are so far poisoned as to have lost their feeling and 
understanding, the following means must be used for. their reco¬ 
very. The 


35$ EFFECTS OF ■ EXTR EME;COLDc 

The patient should be.expospd to a very pure,, fresh, and open abr 
©nd vo)atile c salts, or other stimulating,substances, held to his, nose. 
He should next be Lied in the arm, or if that does not succeed, in the 
Tieck. His legs ought to be put into warm.;,water, and well rubbed, 
As soon as, he can swaiiow,- some lemonade, or, water, and vinegar, 
with th#adc!ition ; of a little nitre, may be given him. . 

Nor are ;S harp clysters by.,any means to be neglected ; these may 
lie made, by v adding to the common clyster, syrup of buckthorn and . 
tincture, of senna,. of .each two ounces; or, in their stead, half an 
ounce of Venice.turpentine.dissolved in the yolk,of an.egg Should, 
these things not, be at hand, two or three large spoonfuls of com-., 
jnon salt may\be,put, into,(he clvster., The same means, if necessa-.. 
yy, which were recommended in the former part of this chapter, may 
lie used to,restore the circulation, warmth, &c. . 

Mr. Tossach, surgeon at Alloa, reiates the ca^e of a man.suffo¬ 
cated by the steam of burning coal, whom.he lettered by blowing 
Ids breath into the pafienlVmouth, bleedinghim in the arm and caus¬ 
ing him to be well rubbed and tossed about. And DFrevven, of 
Sussex-, mentions .the.case .of a young man who was stu pitted by the, 
fmoak. of sea-coa],: but was recovered by being plunged into col4 
water, and afterwards laid in a warm : bed. 

The practice.of plunging persons suffocated by noxious vapours 
jn cold .water,-,would,seem to be,supported by the common experi¬ 
ment of suffocating,dogs in the grotto del fani, and afterwards reco- . 
■vering them, by throwing them into the neighbouring lake. 


EFFECTS OF EXTREME COLD 




'WHEN void is extremely severe, and a - person is exposed to it; 
for a long time, .it proves mortal, in consequence of jts stopping the 
circulation in,j the. extremities, and forcing top great a proportion 
•of blood towards the brain ; .so that the patient, dies of a kind of 
apoplexy, .preceded by great sleepiness.. The.traveller, in this si¬ 
tuation, .who finds himseif begin to grow.drowsy, should redouble 
bis efforts to extricate himselffrom .the eminent danger : he is expos¬ 
ed to. This sl^ep, which he- might consider as some alleviation of * 
his sufferings, .would; if indulged, .prove.his last. 

Such violent effects of cold , are.-happily, not very common in this • 
country ; it. frequent!? happens, however, that tfoe.han.ds or feet of 
travellers are. so benumbed or frozen, as to be in, danger of amortifi-. 
cation,, if proper-means^ are< not used;-to- prevent, it; The chief 
danger in this situation arises from the.-, sudden, application-, of beat. 
It is.very common,. when the hands or feet are pinched with cold, to 
hold them to the fire; yet .reason awl observation shew that this is a 
jnon dangerous and imprudent practice. 

Every, peasant knows, if frozen meat, fruits, or roots of any kind, 
he brought near the fne, or put into-warm water, they will be des¬ 
troyed, by rottenness or a kind of mortification ; and that the only 
W*y 4o recover th.em> is. to immerse them for.some time in very cold 

water 



EFFECTS OF EXTREME. HEAT, 


3:39 


•wafer. The same observation holds- with ...regard to animals In this 
condition. 

When the hands or feet are greatly benumbed with cold, they ought 
either to be immersed in cold water, or...rubbed '.yithy.now, till they 
yeeover their natural warmth and sensibility; a iter which the person 
jpay.be removed.into an apartment <i little warmer, and may drink 
some cups of tea, or an infusion of eider {lowers sweetened with 
honey. Every person must have observed, when his hands were 
even blit,slightly affected with cold, that the. best way to warm them 
was by washing them in cold water, and continuing 10 rub them 
well for some time.. 

When-a person has been so long exposed to the cold, that all ap¬ 
pearances ot life are.gone, it will be accessary to rub him all over 
with sryow or cold water ; or, what will,answer better, if it can be 
obtained, to immerse hint in a bath of the. very coldest water. 
There is the greatest encouragement to persist in the use of these 
means, as we are assured that persons who had remained in the snow, 
or had been exposed to the freezing air during five or six successive 
days, and who had discovered no marks of idfb for several hours, 
have nevertheless been revived. 

I have always thought that the. whitloes, hibes, chilblains, and 
other inflammations of the extremities, which are so common among 
the peasants in thecojd season, were chiefly occasioned by their sud¬ 
den transitions from cold to heat. After they have been exposed to .an 
extreme degree of cold, they immediately apply their hands and 
feetto the fire, oi,.if they have occasion, plunge them into warm 
water, by which means, if a mortification does not happen, an inflam¬ 
mation seldom fails to ensue Most rtf,the ill consequences from this, 
quarter mjght be ea-sily avoided, by only observing the precautions 
tpenlioned above. 


EFFECTS OF EXTREME HEAT. 

THE effects of extreme beat, (hough, not so common in this 
country, are no less fatal, and much more sudden than those ot cold. 
In hot countries people frequently drop down dead in the streets, 
exhausted with heat and fatigue. In this ca e, if any warm cordi¬ 
al can be poured,into the mouth, it ought to be done. It this can¬ 
not be effected, they may be thrown up in form of a clyster. Vola¬ 
tile spirits and other things of a stimulating nature, may be applied 
to tiie skin, which should be well rubbed with coarse cloths, whip¬ 
ped with nettles, or other stimulating things. Some of the ancient 
physicians are said to have restored Ip life persons apparently dead, 
by beating them with rods. 


CHAP. 



C II A P. LIV. 


OF FAINTING FITS, AND OTHER CASES 
WHICH REQUIRE IMMEDIATE 
ASSISTANCE. 

C^TRONG and healthy persons, who abound with blood, are 
p often seized with sudden fainting fits, after violent exercise, 
drinking freely of warm or strong liquors, exposure to great heat, 
intense application to study, or the like. 

la such cases the patient should he made to smell to some vinegar. 
His temples, forehead and wrists, ought at the same time to be 
bathed with vinegar mixed with an equal quantity of warm water; 
am! two or three spoonfuls of vinegar, with four or five times as 
much water, may, if he can swallow, lie poured into his mouth. 

If the fainting proves obstinate, or degenerates into a .syncope, 
that is, an abolition of feeling and understanding, the paiient must 
be bled. After the bleeding, a clyster will be proper, and then he 
f.bonld be kept easy and quiet, only giving him every halt hour a 
mp or two or an infusion of any mild vegetable, with the addition 
of a little sinrar and vinegar. 

When swoomngs, which arise from this cause, occur frequently 
in the same person, lie should, in order to escape thc-m, confine him- 
self to a light diet, consisting chiefly of bread, fruits, and other ve¬ 
getables. His drink ought to be water or small beer, and lie should 
sleep but moderately, arid take much exercise. 

But fainting fits proceed much oftener from a defect than an ex¬ 
cess of blood. Hence they are- very ready to happen after great 
evacuations of any kind, obstinate watching, want of appetite, or 
such like In these, an almost directly opposite course to that men¬ 
tioned above must be pursued. 

The patient should be laid in bed, with his head low, and being 
covered, should have his legs, thighs, arms, and his whole body 
rubbecl strongly with hot flannels. Hungary-waier, volatile salts, 
or strong smelling herbs, as rue, mint, or rosemary, may be held to 
bis nose. His mouth may be wet with a lit'le rum or brandy; and 
if he can swallow, some hot wine, mixed with sugar and cinnamon, 
which is an excellent cordial, may be poured into his mouth. A 
compress of flannel dipt in hot wine or brandy must be applied to 
the pit of his stomach, and warm bricks, or bottles filled with hot 
water laid to his feet. 

As soon as the patient is recovered a little, he should take some 
strong soup or broth, or a little bread or biscuit soaked in hot spiced 
wine. To prevent the return of the fits, he ought to take often, but 
in small quantities, somelightyetstrengt/hening nourishment, aspana- 
do, made with soup instead of water, new laid eggs lightly poached, 
chocolate, light roast meats, jellies, and such like. 


Those 


OF FAINTING FITS, Etc. 


i/ h 

Those fainting-fits, which are the effect of bleeding, or of the 
violent operation of purges, belong to this class. Such as happen 
after artificial bleeding are'seldom dangerous, generally terminating 
us soon as tfie patient is laid upon the bed; indeed persons subject 
to this kind should always be bled lying, in order to prevent it. 
Should the fainting however continue longer than usual, volatile spi¬ 
rits may be held to the nose, and rubbed on the temples, &c. 

When fainting is the effect of too strong or acrid purges or vomits, 
the patient must be treated in ail respects as if he had taken poison. 
He should be made to drink plentifully of milk, warm water, and 
oil, barley water, or such like emollient clysters will likewise be 
proper, and the patient's strength should afterwards be recruited, by 
giving him generous cordials, and anodyne medicines. 

Faintings are often occasioned by indigestion. This may either 
proceed from the quantity or quality of the food. When the for¬ 
mer of these is the cause, the cure will be best performed by vo¬ 
miting, which may be promoted by causing the patient to drink a 
weak infusion of camomile-flowers, carduus bencdictus, or the like. 
When the disorder proceeds from the nature of the food, the patient; 
as in the case of weakness, must be revived by strong smells, Szc, 
after which he should be made to swallow a large quantity of light 
warm fluid, which may serve to drown, as it were, the offending 
matter, to soften its acrimony, and either to effect a discharge of it 
by vomiting, or force it down into the intestines. 

Even disagreable smells will sometimes occasion swoonings, espe¬ 
cially in people of weak nerves. When this happens, the patient 
should be carried into the open air, have stimulating things held to 
his nose, and those substances w'hich are disagreable to hijn ought 
immediately to be removed. But we have already taken notice of 
swoonings which arise from nervous disorders, and shall therefore 
say no more upon that head. 

Fainting-fits often happen in the progress of diseases. In the be¬ 
ginning of putrid diseases they generally denote an oppression at the 
stomach, or amass of corrupted humours, and they cease after evacu¬ 
ations either by vomit or stool. When they occur at the beginning 
of malignant fevers, they indicate great danger. In each of these 
cases, vinegar used both externally and internally is the best reme¬ 
dy during the paroxysm, and plenty of lemon-juice and water after 
it. Swoonings which happen in diseases accompanied with great 
evacuations, must be treated like those which are owing to weakness 
and the evacuations ought to be restrained. When they happen to¬ 
wards the end of a violent fit of an intermitting fever, or at that of 
each exacerbation of a continual fever, the patient must be support¬ 
ed by small draughts of wine and water. 

Delicate and hysteric women are very liable to swooning or faint¬ 
ing-fits after delivery. These might be often prevented by generous 
cordials, and the admission of fresh air. When they are occasioned 
by excessive Hooding, it ought by all means to be restrained. They 
are generally the effect of mere weakness or exhaustition. Dr. En- 
gleman, relates the case of a woman “in childbed, who, after 
“ having been happily delivered, suddenly fainted and iiy upward- 


¥62 % F -I NTOXIC ATI O N. 

• . * . •. \ A • : 

" of a quarter of an hour apparently dead. , *A physician was seirfc 
** for; her owa maid, in the mean while, being Out of patience at 
4i his delay, attempted to assist her herself, and extending herself up- 
“ ok her mistress, applied her mouth toher's/blctv in as muchbieath 
rf as she possibly could, and in a very short time the exhausted Wo- 

man awaked as out of a profound sleep ; when proper things be- 
4< ing given her, she soon recovered. 

" The maid being asked how she came to think of this expedient, 
44 said she had seen it practised at Altenburgh, by midwives, upon 
" children, w-ith the happiest "effect.” 

We mention this chiefly that 'Other midwives may be induced to 
follow So laudable an example. Many c hildren are born without 
any signs of life, and others expire soon after the birth, who might 
without ail doubs, by proper care, be restored tb life. 

From whatever cause fainting-fits proceed, fresh air is always of 
the greatest importance tc tire patient. By not attending to this cir¬ 
cumstance, people often kill their friends while they are endeavour¬ 
ing to save them Alarmed at the patient’s situation, they call in a 
crowd of people to his •assistance, or perhaps to witness his exit, 
wbo^e breathing exhausts the air, and increases the danger. There 
is not the least doubt but this practice, which is very common among 
the lower sort of people, often proves fatal, especially to the deli¬ 
cate, and such person's as fail into fainting-fits from mere exhaustion 
or the violence c'f some disease. No more persons ought ever to 
be admitted into the. room where a patient lies in a swoon than are 
absolutely necessary for his assistance, and the windows of the apart¬ 
ment should always be opened, at least as far as to admit a stream 
of fresh air. 

Persons subject to frequent swooniogs, or fainting-fits, should ne¬ 
glect no means to remove the cause of them, as their consequen¬ 
ces are always injurious to the constitutions Every fainting-fit 
leaves (lie person in dejection and weakness; the secretions are 
thereby suspended, the humours disposed to stagnation, coagula¬ 
tions and obstruclions are formed, and, if the motion of the blood 
be totally' intercepted, or very considerably checked, polypuses are 
sometimes formed in the heart or larger vessels. The only kind 
of swoonings not to be dreaded are those which some time mark 
the crisis in fevers; yet even these ought, as soon as. possible, to be 
r-einoved. 


OF INTOXICATION. 

THE effects of intoxication are often fatal. No kind of poison 
kills more certainly than an over-close of ardent spirits. Sometimes, 
by destroying the nervous energy, they put an end to life at once; 
but in general their effects are more slow, and in many respects 
similar to those of opium. Other kinds of intoxicating liquors may 
.prove fatal when taken to excess, as Well as ardent spoils; but they 
-may generally be discharged by vomiting, which ought aivva>s to 0* 
excited when the stomach is over-changed \vi h lieu or. 

% T , 
ia' •» 



OF INTOXICATION. 


503 


More of those unhappy 'persons who die intoxicated, lose their 
Jives from inability to conduct themselves, than from the destructive 
quality of the liquor. Unable to walk, they tumble down, and lie 
in some awkward posture, which obstructs the circulation or breath¬ 
ing, and often continue in this situation till they die. No drunken 
person should be left by himself, till his clothes have been loo^ned, 
and his body laid in such a posture as is most favourable ior continu¬ 
ing the vital motions, discharging the contents of the stomac h, 

The best posture for discharging the contents of the stomach is to 
lay the person upon his bully; when asleep he may be laid on his 
side, with his head a little raised, and particular care must be taken 
that his neck be no way bent, twisted, or have any thing too tight 
about it. 

The excessive degree of thirst occasioned by drinking strong li¬ 
quors, often induces people to quench it by taking what is hurtful. 
1 have known fatal consequences even from drinking freely of milk, 
after a debauch of wine or sour punch ; these acid liquors, together 
with the heat of the stomach, having coagulated the milk in such a 
manner that it could never be digested. The safest drink after a 
debauch is water with a toast, tea, infusions of balm, sage, barley- 
water, and such like. If the person wants to vomit, he may drink 
a weak infusion of camomile flowers, or lukewarm water and oil ; 
but in this condition vomiting may generally be excited by only tick¬ 
ling the throat with the finger or a feather. 

Instead of giving a detail of all the different symptoms of intox¬ 
ication which indicate danger, and propcsinga general plan of treat¬ 
ment for persons in this situation, I shall briefly relate the history of 
a case which lately fell under my own observation, wherein most of 
those symptoms usually reckoned dangerous concurred, and where the 
treatment was successful. 

A young man, about fifteen years of age, had, for a hire, drank 
ten glasses of strong brandy. He soon after fell fast asleep, and con¬ 
tinued in that situation for several hours, till at length his unea¬ 
sy manner of breathing, the coldness of the extremities, and other 
threatening symptoms, alarmed his friends, and made them send for 
me. I found him still sleeping, his countenance ghastly, and his skin 
covered with a cold clammy sweat. Almost the only signs of life 
remaining were, a deep laborious breathing, and aconvulsive motion 
or agitation of his bowels. 

I tried to rouse him, but in vain, by pinching, shaking, applying 
volatile spirits, avid other stimulating things to his nose, &c. A few 
ounces of blood were likewise taken from his arm, and a mixture of 
vinegar and water was poured into his mouth ; but, as he could not 
swallow, very little of this got into the stomach. None of these 
tilings having the least effect, and the danger seeming to increase, I 
ordered his legs to be put into warm water, and a sharp clyster to 
be immediately administered. This gave him a stool, and was the 
first thing that relieved him. It was afterwards repeated with the 
same happy effect, and,seemed to be the chief cause of his recovery. 
He then began to shew some signs of life, took drink when it was 
offered him, and came gradually to his senses. He continued, 

C ‘J however. 


354 SUFFOCATION,-AND STRANGLING. 

however, for several days weak and feverish, and complained much 
of a soreness* in his bowels, which -gradually went off, by means of 
a slender diet, aiuicoo! mucilaginous liquors. 

This young man would probably-have been suffered to die with¬ 
out any assistance being called, had mot a neighbour a few days be¬ 
fore, who had been advised to drink a bottle of spirits, to cure him of 
un ague, expired under very similar circumstances. 


OF SUFFOCATION AND STRANGLING. 


THESE may sometimes proceed from an infarction of the lungs., 
produced by viscid clammy humours, or spasmodic affection of the 
nerves of that organ. J Persons who fetid grossly, and abound in rich 
blood, are very liable to suffocating fits from the forme.rof these 
causes . Such ought as soon as theysafe attacked, to be held, to re¬ 
ceive an emollient, clyster, and to take frequently a cup of diluting 
liquor with a little nitre in it.. They should likewise receive the 
steams of hot vinegar into their Tungs by breathing. 

Nervous arid asthmatic persons are most subject to spasmodic af¬ 
fections of the lungs. In this case the patten ids legs should be im¬ 
mersed in warm water, and the steams of vinegar applied as above. 
Warm diluting liquors should likewise be drank ; to a.cup of which 
a tea-spoon fu 1 > of the paregoric elixir may occasionally be added. Burnt 
paper, feathers, or leather, may be held to the patient’s nose, and 
fVedi air should be freely admitted fo him. 

• Infants are often suffocated by the carelessness or inattention of 
their nurses'*. An infant when in bed should always be laid so,that 
it. cannot tumble down with its head under the bed-clothes ; and 
when in a cradle, its face ought never to be covered. A small de¬ 
gree of attention to these two simple rules would save the lives of 
many infants, and prevent others from being rendered .weak and sick¬ 
ly all their days by the injuries' done to their lungs. 

Instead of laying down a plan for the recovery of infants who are 
•suffocated, or over-laid, as it is termed by their nurses, I shall give 
the history of a case related by Monsieur fynm, of the Royal College 
of Surger.y at Pans, as it was at tended with success, and contains al¬ 
most every thing that can be done on such occasions. 

A nurse having had the misfortune to over-lay a child, lie was 
called in, and found the infant without anv signs of life; no pulsa¬ 
tion in the arteries, no respiration; the face livid, the eyes open, 
dull, and tarnished, the nose full of snivel, the mouth gaping, in 
short, it was almost-cold. Whilst some linen clothes and a parcel 
of ashes were warming, he had the boy unswathed, and laid him in 
•a warm bed, and on the right side. He then was rubbed all over 

* Thefe accidents are not always the effetfs ot careleflhefs. I have known 
an infant overlaid by its mother being feizedTin the night with an hvfteric*fit. 
This ought to lerve as a caution against employing hyiteric women "as nurfe's 
and ihouldlikewife teach hich women never to lay an infant m the fame bed 
with thernielv.es,. but in a fmall adjacent one. 


with 




SUFFOCATION AND STRANGLING. 365 

with fine linen, for fear of fretting-his tender and delicate skin. 
As soon as the ashes had received their due degree of heat, Mr. Janin 
buried him in them, except the face; placed him on the side opposite 
to that on which he had been at first laid, and covered him with a 
blanket. He had a bottle of eau de luce, in his poket, which he pre¬ 
sented to his nose from lime to time ; and between whiles some puffs 
of tobacco where blown up his nostrils: to these succeeded the 
blowing into his mouth, and squeezing tight hisdnose.' Animal heat 
began thus to be excited gradually ; the pulsations of the temporal 
artery were soon felt, the ' breathing became more frequent and free, 
and the eyes closed and opened alternate!v. At length the child 
fetched some cries expressive of his want of the breast, which being 
applied to hi a mouth, he catched at it with avidity, and sucked as if 
nothing had happened to him. Though the pulsations of the arteries 
were by this time very well re-established, and it was hot weather, vet 
Mr. Janin thought it adviseable to leave his little patient three quar¬ 
ters of an hour longer under the ashes. He was afterward'taken 
out, cleaned and dressed as usual : to which a gentle sleep succeed¬ 
ed, and he continued perfectly well. 

Mr. Janin mentions likewise an example of a young man who had 
hanged himself through despair, to whom he administered help as ef¬ 
fectually as in the preceding case. 

Mr. Glover, surgeon in Doctors Commons, London, relates the 
case of a person who was restored to life after twenty-nir.e minutes 
hanging, and continued in good health for many years after. 

The principal means used to restore this man to life were, opening 
the temporal artery and the external jugular; rubbing the back, 
mouth, and neck, with a quantity ot volatile spirits arid oil ; ad¬ 
ministering the tobacco clyster by means-of lighted pines, and strong 
frictions of the legs and arms. This course had been continued for 
about four hours, when an incision was made into the windpipe, and 
air blown strongly through acanula into the lungs. About twenty 
minutes after this, the blood at the artery began to run down the face, 
and a slow pulse was just perceptible at the wrist. The frictions 
were continued for some time longer; his pulse became more fre¬ 
quent, and his mouth and nose being irritated with spirit of sal am¬ 
moniac, he opened his eyes. Warm cordials were then administer¬ 
ed to him, and in two days he was so well as to be able to walk eight 
miles. 

These cases are sufficient to shew what may be done for the r^co- 
rerv of those unhappy persons who strangle themselves in a fit of 
despair, 

OF PERSONS WHO EXPIRE IN CONVUL¬ 
SION FITS. 

o 

CONVULSION fits often constitute the last scene of acute or 
chronic disorders. When this is the case there can remain hut small 
hopes of the patient’s recovery after expiring in a fit. But when 

a person 


366 PERSONS WHO EXPIRE 


a person who appears to be in perfect health, is suddenly seized 
with a convulsion tk, and seems to expire, some attempts ought al¬ 
ways to be. made, to restore hun to life. Infants are most liable to 
convulsions, and are often carried off very suddenly by one or more 
fits about the time of teething There are many well authenticated 
accounts of infants having been restored to life, alter they had to 
ail appearance expired in convulsions; but we shall only, relate the 
following instance, mentioned by Dr. Johnson in his pamphlet on the 
practicability of recovering persons visibly dead. 

In the parish of St. Clemens in Cote he* er, a child of six months old, 
lying upon its mother’s lap, having bad the breast, was seized with 
a strong convulsion fit, which lasted so long, and ended with so total 
a privation of motion in the body, lungs, and pulse, that it was 
deemed absolutely dead. It was accordingly stripped, laid out, the 
passing bell ordered to be tolled, and acoftin to be made; but a neigh¬ 
bouring gentlewoman who used to admire the child, hearing of its 
sudden death, hastened, to the house, and upon examining i.he child, 
found it not cold, its joints limber,, and fancied that a glass she 
field to its mouth and nose was a little damped with the breath ; up¬ 
on which she took the child in her lap, sat down before the lire, 
rubbed it, and kept it in gentle-agitation. In a quarter of an hour 
she felt the heart begin to beat faintly; she then put a. little of the 
mother’s milk into its mouth, continued to rub its palms and soles, 
found the child begin to move, and the milk was swallowed ; and 
ill another quarter of an hour she had the satisfaction of restoring 
to its disconsolate mother the babe quite recovered, eager to lay 
hold of the breast, and able to suck again. The child throve, had no 
more fits, is grown up, and at present alive. 

These means, which are certainly in the power of every person,, 
were sufficient to restore to life an infant to all appearance dead, and 
who in ail probability, but for the use of these simple endeavours, 
would have remained so. There are however many other things 
which might be done in case the above should not succeed; as rub¬ 
bing the body with strong spirits, covering it with warm ashes or 
salt, blowing air into the lungs, throwing up warm stimulating 
clysters or the smoke of tobacco into the intestines,, and such like. 

When children are dead born, or expire soon after the birth, the 
same means ought to be used for their recovery, as if. they had ex¬ 
pired in circumstances similar to those mentioned above. 

These directions may likewise be extended to adults, attention 
being always paid to the age and other circumstances of the patient. 

The foregoing cases and observations afford sufficient proof of the 
success which may attend the endeavours of persons totally ignorant 
of medicine, in assisting those who are suddenly deprived of life by 
any accident or disease. Many facts of a similar nature might be 
adduced, were it necessary : but these, it is hoped* will be suffici¬ 
ent tocall up the attention of ihe public, and to excite the humane 
and benevolent to exert their utmost endeavours for the preservation 
of their fellow-men. 


Jhe society for the recovery of drowned persons, instituted at Am¬ 
sterdam in the year Vt&f, had the satisfaction to find that no fewer 

than 


IN CONVULSION FITS. 


367 


than 150 persons, in the space of tour years, had been saved by (tie 
means pointed out by them, many of whom owed their preservation 
to peasants and people of no medical knowledge. But the means 
used with so much efficacy in recovering drowned persons are, with 
equal success, applicable to a mimbet of cases where the powers of 
life seem in reality to be only suspended, and to remain capable of 
renewing all their functions, on being put into motion again. It is 
shocking to reflect, that lor want of this consideration many persons 
have been committed to the grave in whom the principles of life 
might have been revived. 

The cases wherein such endeavours are most likely to be attend¬ 
ed with success, are all those called sudden deaths from an inevita* 
bie cause, as apoplexies, hysterics, faintings, and many other dis¬ 
orders wherein persons in a moment sink down and expire. The 
various casualties in which they may be tried are, suffocations from 
the sulphureous damps of mines, coal-pits, Szc. the unwholesome 
air'of long unopened wells or caverns; the noxious vapours aris¬ 
ing from fermenting liquors; the steams of burning charcoal; 
sulphureous mineral acids; arsenical effluvia, Szc. 

Tlie various accidents of drowning, strangling, and apparent 
deaths, by blows, falls, hunger, cold, Szc. likewise furnish oppor¬ 
tunities of trying such endeavours. Those perhaps who to appear¬ 
ance are killed by lightning, or by any violent agitation of the pas¬ 
sions, as fear, joy, surprise, and such like, might also be frequently 
recovered by the use of proper means, as blowing strongly into their 
lungs, Szc. 

7'he means to be used for the recovery of persons suddenly depriv¬ 
ed of life, are nearly the same in all cases; they are practicable by 
every one who happens to be present at the accident, and require no 
great expence, and less skill. The great aim is to restore the warmth 
and vital motions. This may in general be attempted by means of 
heat, frictions, bleeding, blowing air into the lungs, administering 
clysters and generous cordials. These must be varied according to 
circumstances. Common sense, and the situation of the patient, 
will suggest the proper manner of conducting them. Above all we 
would recommend perseverance. People ought never to despair on 
account of discouraging circumstances, or to leave off their endea¬ 
vours as long as there is the least hope of success. Where -much 
good and no hurt can be done, no one ought to grudge his labour. 

It were greatly to be wished, that an institution similar to that of 
Amsterdam, was established, upon a more extensive plan, in Greai- 
Britain ; and that a reward was allowed to every one who should be 
instrumental in restoring to life a person seemingly dead*. Men 

* The .Author is happy to obferve, that ftnee the ftrft publication of this 
■work, feveral focieties have been inftitilted in Britain with the lame benevo¬ 
lent intention as that of Amfterdam, and that their endeavours have proved 
no lefs fuccefsful. He is alio happy to obferve, that premiums have been 
awarded to thofe who have been active in their endeavours to reftore to 1; ft» 
perfens who had been drowned, or fuddenly deprived of life by any accident. 
How much is this luperior to the fuperftitious inftitution, which allows any 
man a premium who brings a dead perfonout of the water, f'o that he may 


356 * 


ON' COLD BATHING, AND: 

will do much for fame, hut still more for money. Should no profit, 
however, be annexed to those benevolent offices, the heartfelt plea¬ 
sure which a good man must enjoy, on reflecting tha t he has been 
the happy instrument of saving one of his fellow-creatures from an. 
untimely grave, is itself a sufficient reward. 


C H A P. LV. 

CAUTIONS CONCERNING COLD BATHING, 
AND DRINKING THE MINERAL WATERS- 

A S it is now fashionable for persons of all ranks to plunge into 
jT\.- the sea, and drink the mineral waters, I was desire us of render¬ 
ing this work still more extensively usefiri, by the addition of some 
practical remarks on these active and useful medicines. Finding 
it impossible to bring these observations within so narrow a com¬ 
pass as not to swell the book 5 , already too large, into an enormous 
size, I resolved to confine myself to a few hints or cautions ; which 
mav he of service to persons who bathe, or drink the mineral wa¬ 
ters without being able to put themselves under the care of a phy¬ 
sician. 

No part of the practice of medicine is of greater importance, or 
merits more the attention of the physician, as many lives are lost, 
and numbers ruin their health, by cold bathing, and an imprudent 
use of the mineral Waters. On some future occasion I may probably 
resume this subject, as I know not any work that contains a sufficient 
Dumber of practical observations to regulate the patient’s conduct in 
the use of these active and important medicines. 

We have indeed many books on the mineral waters, and some of 
them are written with much ingenuity; but they are chiefly employ¬ 
ed in ascertaining the contents of the waters by chymica! analysis. 
This no doubt has its use, but it is by no means of such importance 
as some may imagine. A man may know the chymica! analysis of 
. all the articles in the materia medicu, without being able properly 
to apply any one of them in the cure of diseases. One page of 
practical observations is worth a whole volume of chvmical analy¬ 
sis. But wiiere are such observations to be met with ? Few phy¬ 
sicians are in a situation to make them, and fewer stilt are qualified 
•for such a task. It can only be accomplished by practitioners who re¬ 
side at the -fountains, and who possessing minds superior to local 
prejudices, are capable of distinguishing diseases with accuracy, and 
•of forming a sound judgment respecting the genuine effects of me- 
oleines. 

receive Chriftian burial; but allows nothing to the perfor. who brings him 
out alive, or who recovers him after he has been to all appearance dead. 

Without 




•DRINKING .MINERAL WATERS. 


369 


Without a proper discrimination with regard to the disease and 
the constitution of the patient, the most .'powerful medicine is more 
.likely to do harm than good. Every one knows that the-same phy¬ 
sician who, by cold bathing, cured .Augustus, by an imprudent use of 
the same medicine, killed his heir. This induced the Roman senate 
to make laws for regulating the baths, and preventing the numerous 
evils winch arose from an imprudent and promiscuous use of those 
elegant and fashionable pieces of luxury. But as no such laws exist 
in this country, every one does.that which is.right in las .own eyes, and 
of course many must do wrong. 

People are apt to imagine that the simple element of water can 
do no hurt, and that they may plunge into it al any time with impu¬ 
nity. In this, how T ever, they are much .mistaken. I have known 
apoplexies, occasioned by going into the cold 'bath, fevers excited 
by staying too long in it, and other maladies so much aggravated by 
its continued use, that they could never be wholly eradicated. Nor 
are examples wanting, either in ancient or-modern times, of the 
baneful consequences which have arisen also from on injudicious ap¬ 
plication of the warm bath; but as warm baths are not so common 
in this country, and are seldom used, but under the direction of a 
physician, I shall not enlarge on that part of the subject. 

Immersion in cold water is a custom which lays claim to the most 
remote antiquity : indeed it must have been coeval with man him¬ 
self. The necessity of water for (he purpose of cleanliness, and 
the pleasure arising from its application to the body in hot countries, 
must very early have recommended k to the human species. Even 
the example of other animals was sufficient to give the hint to man. 
By instinct many of them are led to apply cold water in this manner ; 
and some, when deprived of its use, have been known to languish, 
and even to die. But w hether the practice of cold bathing arose 
from necessity, reasoning, or imitation, is an inquiry of no im¬ 
portance ; our business is to point out the advantages which may 
be derived from it, and to guard people against an improper use 
of it. 

The cold bath recommends itself in a variety of cases, and is pe¬ 
culiarly beneficial to the inhabitants of populous cities, who in¬ 
dulge in idleness, and lead sedentary lives. In persons of this de¬ 
scription the action of the solids is always too weak, which indu¬ 
ces a languid circulation, a crude indigested mass of humours, and 
obstructions in the capillary vessels and glandular system. Cold 
water, from its gravity as well as its tonic power, is well calcu¬ 
lated either to obviate or remove these symptoms. It accelerates 
the motion of the blood, promotes the different secretions, and 
gives permanent vigour to the solids. But all these important pur¬ 
poses will be more essentially answered by the-application of salt 
water. This ought not only to be preferred on account of its supe¬ 
rior gravity, but likewise for its greater power of stimulating the. 
skin, which promotes the perspiration, and prevents the patient from 
catching cold. 

It is necessary, however, to observe, that cold bathing is more, 
likely to prevent, than to remove obstructions of the glandular or 

lymphatic 



370 ON COLD BATHING, AND 

lymphatic system. Indeed, when these have arrived at a certain 
pitch, they are not to be removed by any means. In this case the 
cold bath will only aggravate the symptoms, and hurry the unhappy 
patient into an untimely grave. It is therefore of the utmost, im¬ 
portance, previous to the patient’s entering upon the use of the cold 
bath, to determine whether or not he labours under any obstinate 
obstruction', of the lungs or other viscera ; and where this is the case 
cold bathing ought strictly to be prohibited*. 

In what is called a plethoric state, or too great a fullness of the 
body, it is likewise dangerous to use the cold bath, without 
•due preparation. In this case there is great danger of bursting a. 
blood-vessel, or occasioning an inflammation of the brain or some ot 
the viscera. This precaution is the more ncessary to citizens, as 
most of them live lull, and are of a gross habit. Yet, what is very 
remarkable, these people resort in crowds every season to the sea¬ 
side, and plunge in the water without the lea^t consideration. No 
doubt they often escape with impunitv; but does this give a sanc¬ 
tion to the practice ? Persons of this description ought bv no means 
to bathe, unless the body has been previously prepared by suitable 
evacuations. 

Another class of patients, who stand peculiarly in need of the 
bracing qualities of cold water, is the nervous. This includes a 
great number of the male, and almost all the female inhabitants of 
great cities. ^ Yet even those persons ought to be cautious in using 
the cold bath. Nervous people have often weak bowels, and may, 
as well as others, be subject to congestions and obstructions of the 
viscera ; and in this case they will not able to bear the effects ot 
cold water. For them, and indeed for all delicate people, the best 
plan would be to accustom themselvs to it by the most pleasing and 
gentle degrees. They ought to begin with the temperate bath, and 
gradually use it cooler, till at length the cold proves quite agreea¬ 
ble. Nature revolts against all great transitions : and those who do 
violence to her dictates, have often cause to repent of iheir temerity.* 

Wherever cold bathing is practised, there ought likewise to be 
tepid baths for the purpose mentioned above. Indeed it is the prac¬ 
tice of some countries to throw cold water over the patient as soon 
as he comes out of the warm bath ; but though this may not injure 
a Russian peasant, we dare not recommend it to.the inhabitants of 
this country. The ancient Greeks and Romans, we are told, when 
covered with sweat and dust, used to plunge into rivers, without 
receiving the smallest injury. Though they might often escape dan¬ 
ger from this imprudent conduct, yet it was certainly contrary to 
sound reason. I have known many robust men throw away their 

* The late celebrated Dr. Smollet has indeed laid, that if he were perfuad- 
ed lie had an ulcer in the lungs, he would jump into the cold bath .; buthere 
the Dcftor evidently thews more courage than discretion ; and that he was 
more a man of wit than a phylician, every one will allow. A nervous aflh- 
ma, or an atrophy, may be miftaken for a pulmonary confumption ; yet, in 
the two former, the cold bath proves often beneficial, though 1 never knew it 
fo'm the latter. Indeed all the phthifical patients I ever faw, who had tried 
the cold bath, were evidently hurt by it. 

live* 


'DRINKING MINERAL WATERS, m 

lives by such an attempt. Vv e would not however advise patients- 
1 O go into the cold water when the body is chilly ; as much exercise, 
at. least, ought to be lakeil, as may excite a'genitleglow all over the 
body, but by iso means so as to overheat it. ; 

To’young people, and particularly to children/cold bathing is of 
the last importance. Their.lax tibres remier its tcmic powers pecu¬ 
liarly Drober. It nro'mofec ilieir crmwth, increases their strength* 


iiarly proper. It promotes their groivtl 

and prevents a variety Of diseases incident to childhood. Were in 
/ants early accustomed to the cold bath, if would seldom disagree 
vciih tliem ; 'and we should see fewer instances of the scrophnla-^ 
rickets, and other diseases which prove fatal to many, and make 
others miserable for life. Sometimes indeed, these disorders ren¬ 
der infants incapable of bearing ihe shock of coldWater ; but this is 
Owing to their not having been early and regularly accustomed to 
31» ■ It is I iowever necessary here to’ caution young men against too 
frequent bathing; ’as I have known many fatal consequences result 
from the daily practice of plunging into rivers, and continuing there* 
too long. 

The most proper time Of the day for using the cold bath is no 
doubt the morning, or at least before dinner ; and the best mode* 
that of quick immersion. As cold bathing Iras a constant ten- 
dehey to prppel the blood and other humours towards the head, it 
ought to be a rule always to wet that part as soon as possible. 
Bv due attention to this circumstance, there is reason to believe, that 
violent liead-achs, and other complaints,, which frequently proceed 
from cold bathing, might be often prevented 

The cold bath, when too long continued in, not only occasions 
an excessive flux of humours towards the head, but chills the 
blood, cramps the muscles, relaxes the nerves and wholly defeats 
the intention of bathing. Hence, by not adverting to this circum¬ 
stance, expert swimmers are often injured, and sometimes even 
Jose their lives. All the beneficial purposes of cold bathing are an¬ 
swered by one immersion, at a time ; and the patient ought to be 
rubbed dry the moment becomes out of the water, and should con¬ 
tinue to take exercise for some time after. 

When cold bathing occasions chjlness) loss of appetite, listless- 
ness, pain of the breast or bowels, a prostration of strength, or 
violent kead-achs, it ought to be discontinued. 

Though these hints are by no me&bs intended to point out all I've 
cases where cold bathing may he hurtful, nor to illustrate its extensive 
utiiitv as a medicine ; yet it is hoped they may serve to guard people 
against some of those errors into xvluch, from mere inattention, they 
are apt to fall, and thereby not only endanger their own lives, but 
bring an excellent medicine into disrepute. 

* The celebrated Galen fays, that immerfion in cold water is fit only for the 
young of lions and hears ; and recommends warm bathing, as conducive to the 
growth ar.d ftrengfh of infants. Hoiv egregiouily do the greaxefi men err 
whenever they lofe fight of fails, and fubflitute reaibuiug inphyficin place of 
observation and experience! 


D 3 


OF 



^742 -©N<COLD BATHING, AND 


Of dr hiking the Mineral Waters . 

The internal use of water, as a medicine, is no less an objectcT 
the physician's attention than the external. Pure elementary water 
4s indeed the most inoffensive of all liquors, and constitutes a prin¬ 
cipal part of the food of every animal. But this element is often 
impregnated with substances of a very active and penetrating nature ; 
*and of such an insidious quality, that, while they promote certain 
secretions, and even alleviate sdroe disagreeable symptoms, they 
weaken the powers of lift?, undermine the constitution, and lay the 
foundation of worse diseases than those which they were employed 
to.remove. Of this every practitioner must have seen instances-; 
and physicians of eminence have more than once declared that they 
have known more diseases occasioned than removed by the use of 
mineral waters. This doubtless has proceeded from the abuse ef 
these powerful medicines,which evinces the necessity of using them 
with caution. 

By/ examining the contents of ihe mineral waters'which are most 
used in this country, we shall be enabled to form an idea of tire dan* 
ger which may arise from an improper application of them-either 
externally or internally, though it is totbedatter of these that the 
-present observations are chiefly confined. 

The waters most in use for medical purposes in Britain, are those 
impregnated with salts, sulphur, iron, and mephitic air, either sepa¬ 
rately, or variously combined. tDf these the most powerful is the 
saline sulphureous water of Harrowgate, of which 'I have had more 
occasion to observe the pernicious consequences, when improperly 
used, than of any other. To this, therefore, the following remarks 
will more immediately relate, though they will be found applicable 
to all tire parging waters in the kingdom which are strong enough to 
merit attention *. 

The errors which so often uefeaHhe intention of drinking the 
purgative mineral waters, and which so frequently prove injurious to 
the patient, proceed from the manner of using them, the quantity 
taken, the regimen pursued, or using them in cases where they are not 
proper 

A very hurtful prejudice still prevails in this‘country-, that all dis¬ 
eases must be cured by medicines taken into the stomach, and that 
the more violently these medicines operate, they are the more likely to 
have thedesired effect. This op nion lias proved falal to thousands, 
and will, in all probability, destroy many more before it can be 

* The greateft clafs of rain era! waters in this country is the chalybeate. 
In many parts of Britain thefe are to be found in almoH every field ; but thofe 
chiefly in ufe, for medical purpoie-s, are the purgingehalybeates, as the wa¬ 
ters of Scarborough, Cheltenham, Thorp Arch, Nevil Holt, &.c. Of thofe 
■which do not purge, the waters of Tunbridge Hand in the higheft repute. 
The Saline purging waters, as thofe of A ft on, Epfom, Kilburn, &.c. are 
alfo in very general elteem ; but the fountains molt frequented by the lick in 
this country, arc thofe to which the minerals impart a certain degree of heat, 
as Bath, Briitol, Buxton, &c. 

wholly 



DRINKING MINERAL' WATERS:- S73 

wholly eradicated. Purging is often useful in ncute diseases, and in - 
chronical cases may pave, the way for the operation of other medi¬ 
cines;, but it will seldom perform a cure; and by exhausting the 
strength of the patient, will often leave him in a.wcr-c condition.,, 
than it found hihn That this is frequently the case with regard to 
the more active mineral waters, every person conversant in these 
matters will readily allow* 

Strong stimulants applied to,the stomach and bowels for a length 
of time, must tend to weaken and destroy their energy ; and what . 
stimulants are more- active than, sait and .sulphur, .especially when 
these substances are intimately combined, and carried through the 
system by the penetrating medium of water Those bowels must be 
strong indeed, which can withstand the daily operation of such ac¬ 
tive principles for months together, and not be injured. This how-. 
ever is the plan pursued by most of those who. drink the purging mi¬ 
neral waters, and-whose circumstances will permix.them to continue 
long enough at those fashionable places of resort. 

Many people imagine that every thing depends On the quantity of 
water taken, and that the more theydr ink*they will the sooner get 
well. This is an egregious error; for while the unhappy patient - 
thinks he is by.this means eradicating his disorder, he is often in fact : 
undermining, the powers of-lifc, and ruining his constitution. Indeed- 
nothing can do this so effectually as weakening-the powers of diges- 
tion by the improper application of strong stimulants. The very 
essence of health depends on the digestive organs performing then- 
due functions, and the most tedious maladies are all connected with 
indigestion. 

Drinking the water in too great quantity, not only injures the - 
bowels and occasions indigestion/but generally defeats the intention 
for which it is taken. The diseases for. the cure of which mineral 
waters are chiefly celebrated, are mostly of the chronic kind ; and it 
is well known that such diseases can only be cured by the slow ope¬ 
ration of alteratives, or speh medicines as act by inducing a gradual 
change in the habit. This requires length of time, and never can 
be effected by medicines which run off by stool, and operate chiefly 
on the first passages. 

Those who wish for the cure of any obstinate malady from the mi- ■ 
nera! waters, ought .to take them in such a manner as hardly to pro- - 
duce any effect whatever on the bowels. With this view a half-pint 
glass may be drank at bed time*, and the same quantity an hour be¬ 
fore breakfast, dinner, and supper. > The dose, however, must va¬ 
ry according to circumstances. Even the quantity mentioned above 
will purge some persons, while others wiil drink twice as much 
without being in the least moved by it. • Its operation on the 
bowels is the only standard for using the water as an alterative. No 

* When I fpeak of drinking a gtafs of the water over-night, I mull beg 
ieave to caution thofe who follow this plan againft eating heavy fuppers. The 
late Dr. Daultry of York, who was the firft that brought the Harrowgate wa¬ 
ters into repute^ ufed to advife his patients to drink a glafs before they went 
to bed; the confeq uence of which was, that having ear a flefh fupper, and the 
water operating in the night, they wer« #ft«n tormented with g-ripes and oblige 
edio call for medical afiiitance* mere v 



&74 


ON COLD. LATHING, AND- 


siote ought to he taken than barely to move the body ; .nor,is it aI«_ 
way s necessary (o carry it this length, provided the water goes off bye 
•the* other emunetories, and does not occasion a chilness, or tlalu- 
3ency in the stomach or bowels. When the water is intended to 
■’purge, the quant ky mentioned above may be ail taken before break* 
fast. 

I would not only caution patients who drink the purging mineral 
waters over night to avoid heavy suppers, but also from eating hea¬ 
vy meals at ary time, The stimulus of water, impregnated with 
salt*, seem s’to create a false appetite. I have seen .a delicate per¬ 
son, after drinking .the Harrow gate waters of a morning, eat a break-, 
fast sufficient to have served two ploughmen, devour a plentiful din¬ 
ner,of flesh and fish, and, to crown all, eat such a supper as might 
have satisfied a hungry porter. 

Ad this, indeed, the stomach seemed to crave ; but this craving 
had better remain not quite satisfied, .than that the stomach should bo., 
loaded with what exceeds its powers. To starve patients was never 
ray plan; but I am clearly o'f opinion, that, in 1 Ire use of all the 
purging mineral waters, a. light and rather diluting diet is the most , 
proper; and that no person, during such a course, ought to eat to 
the full extent to what his appetite craves. 

To promote the operation of mineral waters, and to carry them, 
through the system, exert i e is indispensably necessary. This may 
be taken,in any manner that is most agreeable fo the paiienl; but he., 
ought never to carry it to excess. The best kinds of exercise are 
those connected with amusement. Every thing that tends to ext ill- 
rate spirits, pot only promotes the operation of the waters, but acts 
as a medicine. All who resort to the mineral waters ought there¬ 
fore to leave every care behind, to mix.with the company, and io 
make themselves as cheerful and happy as possible. From tYs con¬ 
duct, assisted by the free and wholesome air of those- fashionable 
places of resort, and also the regular and early hours which are usiw 
ally kept, the patient often receives more benefit than from using the 
wafers." 

But the greatest errors m drinking the purging mineral wafers arise 
from then' being used in cases where they are absolutely improper, 
and adverse to the nature of thedisea.se. When people hear of a 
wonder fid cure having been performed by. seme mineral 'water, (hey 
immediately conclude that it will cure everything, and accordingly 
swallow »t clown, when they might as well take poison. Patients 
ought to be wed informed, before they begin to drink the more ac¬ 
tive kinds of mineral waters, ot the propriety of the course, and 
should never persist in using them when they are found.to aggravate, 
the disorder. 

In-ail cases wife re purging is indicated, the saline mineral .wafers 
will be found do.fulfil tins intention belter than any other medicine. 
This operation, if taken in proper quantity, is generally mild ; and 
they are neither found to irritate the nerves, ncr debilitate the pa¬ 
tient so much as the other purgatives. 

Asa purgative, these waters are chiefly recommended in diseases 
<%f the first passages, accompanied with, or proceeding from, inac~. 

iivity 



DRINKING MINERAL WATERS. 373 

tlvity of the stomach and bowels, acidity, indigestion, vitiated bile, 
worms, putrid sordes^ the. piles, and. jaundice. In most cases of 
this kind they are the best medicines that can be administered. 
But when used with this view, it is .sufficient to, take them twice, 
or at most three ti*»es a-week, so as to move the boilv three-or 
tour times ; and it will be proper to continue this course for some 
weeks. 

But the operation of the more active mineral waters is not confin¬ 
ed to the. bowels. They often promote the discharge of urine, ami 
pot un frequently Increase the perspiration. This shews that they 
are capable of penetrating into every part of the body, and of sti¬ 
mulating the whole system. Hence arises their efficacy in remov¬ 
ing the most obstinate of all disorders, obstructions of the glandular 
and lymphatic system. Under this class is comprehended the sero- 
pirn la or Kind’s evil, indolent tumours, obstructions of the liver, 
spleen, kiclnioM and niesemeric glands. When these great pur¬ 
poses are to be effected, the waters must be used in the gradual 
manner mentioned above, and persisted in for a length of time. It 
will be proper however now and then to discontinue their use for a 
few days. 

The next great class of diseases where mineral waters are found 
to be beneficial, are those of the skin, as the itch, scab, tetters, 
ringworms, scaly eruptions, leprosies, blotches, foul ulcers. Sic, 
Though these may 'seem superficial, yet they are often the most obsti¬ 
nate which the physician has to encounter, and not unfrequently set 
his skill at defiance : but they will sometimes yield to the applies-, 
lion of mineral waters for a suuicient length of time, and in most 
tpases of this kind these waters deserve a trial. The saline sulphure¬ 
ous waters, such as those of Moffat in Scotland, and Harrowgate in 
England, are the most likely to succeed in diseases of the skin ; but 
for this purpose it will be necessary not only to drink the waters, but 
likewise to use them external!y. 

To enumerate more particularly the qualities, of the different mi¬ 
neral waters, (6 specify those diseases in which they are respectively 
indicated, and to point out their proper modes of application, would 
be an useful, and by no means a disagreeable ‘employment; but a ; 
the limits prescribed to these remarks will not allow me to treat the 
subject at more length, I shall conclude by observing, that whenever 
the mineral waters ate found to exhaust the strength, depress the 


spirits, take away the appetite, excite fevers, distend the bowels, 
or occasion a cough, they ought to be discontinued. 


Thefe Cautions having been printed and fold feparately for the ac¬ 
commodation of thofe who had purchafed the former editions of this book, 
has induced tome perfons to conkder them as a Treat! ie on tea-bathing and 
drinking the mineral waters ; whereas.the author’s f"Ie ini ention was to fur-^ 
nifn a few general hints to perfons who frequent thole fade enable places of 
refort, without putting themfelves under the care of aplivlician. Ashe 
looks upon this fubjeft however to beef t;he greateft importance to the fick^ 
pledges himfelf to treat it at more length on a future pccafion. 

CHAP 



( 376 - ) 


CHA P. lvi: 

• , Ti. ■ W ' _ - - _ ;• V• <». ' - v '• 

Observations concerning the diet of the 

COMMON, PEOPLE, RECOMMENDING A METHOD OF 
LIVING LESS EXPENSIVE,.. AND MORE CONDUCIVE. 
TO HEALTH, THAN. TJIE. PRESENT.. 

E XPEPvIENCE proves, that not a few of (he diseases incident to- 
,the inhabitants of this country, are owing to their mode of liv¬ 
ing. The vegetable productions they consume, fall considerably* 
short of the proportion which they ought to bear to the.animal part’ 
of their food. The constant use of bread, and animal substances, , 
excites an unnatural thirst, and leads to the immoderate use of beer 
and other stimulating liquors, which generate disease and reduce the 
lower orders of people to a state of indigence. To teach the poor 
man ho.w to hve cheaper and better, is the design of the following 
pages. 

Though the common people of this country live at a greater ex¬ 
pence than any where else, it does not follow that they live better.. 
They are strong indeed, but by no means healthy ; and it is found 
that,, from an attachment to a particular mode of living, they are 
more liable to disease and death in foreign climes, than- the inhabi¬ 
tants ©f any other country. 

It is certainly proper that the poor man should be instructed in 
every thing that can make his little earnings go as far as possible,. 
or which can add to the comfort of himself and family. Nor can 
©economy in living, be deemed trivial, in a. country where the 
riches depend on the cheapness of labour. 

It. is alleged that the English are so much attached to their own 
modes of living, that no argument will induce therm to make the 
smallest change. Habits are indeed obstinate things, especially' 
those which relate to diet; but there are proofs that the English are 
not inflexible even in this matter. The mod e of living among the 
lower orders has been greatly changed in my time,- and I am sorry 
to say, not for the better. 

The people of England have too much good sense not to listen to 
reason provided due care were taken to instruct them, But here 
the people may be truly said “ to perish for want of knowledge” No 
means have been used to give them proper instruction. Hurtful 
customs have been suffered to prevail, till they have struck such 
deep roots that it will not be an easy matter to eradicate them. 
The difficulty, however, is hot unsurmountable. A few experiments 
of reform would have the effect to render it as agreeable as it is sa-. 
lufary. 

Adults have many old prejudices to overcome, but the case is diffe¬ 
rent in regard to children. 1 hey may be taught to use any kind of 
food, ana what they use when young they will love when old. If? 

I can 



OBSERVATIONS ON ALIMENT. 37? 


I can introduce a different method of feeding children, niy purpose 
'•will be‘answered. This alone will, in time,'effect a total change in 
the general mode of living. 

The late distress of the poor has called forth many publications 
intended for their relief Most of them, however, were adapted 
only for the particular occasion, and not calculated to prevent the re¬ 
turn of like evils. The following observations, it is hoped, will have 
a more permanent effect. They are intended to recommend apian of 
living, which will render the people less dependent on bread and ani¬ 
mal food for their subsistence, and consequently not so liable to suf* 
fer from a scarcity or dearth of either of these articles in future. 

Particular attention has been paid to the substitutes for bread, as 
the scarcity of this article proves peculiarly distressing to the poor. 
It will appear from the following pages, that bread is by no means 
"$o much a necessary of life as-is generally imagined, and that its 
place may, in many instances, be supplied by a variety of other fa¬ 
rinaceous substances-. 


GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON ALIMENT. 




NO creature eats such a variety of food as man. Intended fob 
an inhabitant of every climate, he devours the productions of then* 
“all; and if they do not suit his palate, or agree with his stomach, he 
calls in the aid of cookery, an art peculiar to himself; by which 
many things that, in a crude state, would prove hurtful, or even poi¬ 
sonous, are rendered wholesome and salutary. 

The obvious division of food is into animal and vegetable. To 
say that man was intended by nature for using either the one or the 
other alone, would be absurd. His structure and appetite prove 
that he was formed for both. Judgment, however, is requisite in 
adjusting the due proportions of each, so as to avoid the mconveni- 
encies arising from an extreme on either hand. 

Though animal food is more nourishing than vegetable, it is not 
safe to live on that alone. Experience has shewn that a diet con-» 
sisting solely of animat food, excites thirst and nausea, occasions 
putrescence in the stomach and bowels, and finally brings out violent 
.griping pains with cholera and dysentery. 

Animal food is less adapted to the sedentary than the laborious, 
and least of all to the studious, whose diet ought to consist chiefly of 
vegetables. Indulging in animal food renders men dull, and unlit 
for the pursuits of science, especially when it is accompanied with 
the free use of strong liquors. 

The plethoric, or persons of a full habit, should eat sparingly of 
animal food. It yields far more blood than vegetables taken in the - 
same quantity, and of cour e may induce inflammatory disorders. 
It acts as a stimulus to the whole system, by which means the cmcu- 
tion of the blood is greatly accelerated. 

I am inclined to think, that consumptions, so common in England, 
are in part owing to the great use of animal food. Though the 

Phthisis 




>78 j O F B R E A ft. 

Phthisis Puhnonalis is not, properly speaking, an inflammatory dise&sity 
vet it generally begins with symptoms of inflammation, and is often 
accompanied with them through its whole progress. 

But the disease most common to this country is the scurvy. One 
finds a dash of it in almost every family, and in some the taint is very 
deep. A disease so general must have a general cause, and there is 
none so obvious as tire great quantity of animal Joftci devoured by 
the natives. As a proof that scurvy arises from this cause, we are. 
in possession of no remedy for that disease equal to the free use of 
fresh vegetables. 

By the uninterrupted Use of animal food a putrid diathesis is in¬ 
duced in the system, which predisposes to a. variety of disorders. 
1 am fiil'y convinced that many of those obstinate complaints for 
which we are at a loss to account, and find it still more difficult to 
cure, are the effects of a scorbutic taint lurking in the habit. 

Improper diet affects the mind as well as the body. The chole¬ 
ric disposition of the English is almost proverbial. Were I to as¬ 
sign a cause, it would be, their living so much on animal food. 
There is no doubt, but this induces a ferocity of temper unknown to 
men whose food is chiefly taken from the vegetable kingdom. 

Though these and similar consequences may arise from the excess 
of animal diet, we are far from discouraging its use in moderation.. 
In all cold countries it is certainly necessary ; but the major part of 
the aliment ought nevertheless to consist of vegetable substances. 
There is a continual tendency in animal food, as well as in the hu¬ 
man body itself, to putrefaction, which can only be counteracted by 
the free use of vegetables. 

With regard to the proportion of vegetable food to that of animal; 
great nicety i • by no means required. It must vary according to cir¬ 
cumstances, as the heat of the weather, the warmth of (he climate, 
and the like. The vegetable part, however, where nothing forbids; 
ought certainly to preponderate, and I think in the proportion of at 
least two to one. 

The excessive consumption of animal food is one great cause ojf 
the scarcity of grain. The food that a bullock affords beais but a 
small prop,or!ion to the quantity of vegetable matter he consumes. 

I am no enemy to good fruit, as ah article of diet; but the great-* 
er part of what is u ied in this country, by the lower orders of the 
people, is mere (rash. Fruit should be eaten in the early part of 
the day, when the stomach is not loaded Vvith food, and it never 
ought to be eaten raw till it be thoroughly ripe. 

OF BREAD. 

BREAD, or something resembling,it, makes a part of the diet of 
all nations. Hence it is emphatically denominated the staff of life. 
It may however be used too freely. The late Dr. Folhergill was of 
opinion, and I perfectly agree with him, that most people cat more 
bread than is conducive to their health. I do not mean to insinuate 
that bread is unwholesome* but that the best things may prove hurt¬ 
ful 


O F B U E A t). 


O A 

o i y 


fill when taken to excess, A surfeit of bread is more dangerous 

n 

than of any other food. Omni 9 rfyletio main,' repfctio panis pejsimti. 
The French consume vast quantifies of bread; but its bad effects are 
prevented by their copious use of soups ar.d frtills, which have lit¬ 
tle or no share in the diet of the common people of England. 

One important use of bread is to form a mass fit for iiiling up the 
alimentary canal, and carrying the nutritious juices along that pas- 
sage in such a state, as to render them fit to be acted upon by the 
.lacteal absorbents, which take up the nourishment and convey it to 
the blood, in this light bread way be 'considered as a soil from 
whence the nourishment is drawn. I do not say 'hat bread contains 
r.o nourishment, but that its use, as an article of diet, does not sole¬ 
ly depend on the quantity of nutriment it contains, but in some mea¬ 
sure on its fitness as "a vehicle for conveying the nutritious particles 
through the intestinal tubes. Hence it follows, that (he finest bread 
is not always the best adapted for answering thS purposes of nutri¬ 
tion. 

The richest food will not nourish an animal, unless the alimentary-* 
canal is sufficiently distended. A dog has been fed on the richest 
broth, yet could not be kept alive; while another, which had only 
the meat boiled to chip and water, throve very well. This shew'* 
the tolly of attempting to nourish men on alimentary powders and 
other concentrated, food. 



ing it with more nutritious particles than are necessary for the sup¬ 


port of the animal. This may be done either by bread, or other fa 
rinaceous substances, of which there is a great variety, as will ap¬ 
pear from the sequel. 

Bread is one of the most expensive modes of using grain, and not 
adapted to the narrow circumstances of the lower orders of the peo¬ 
ple, as it is burthened with two heavy additional charges, in pass¬ 
ing through the hands of both the miller and the baker. Besides',, 
the former often grinds down extraneous matter with the wheat, and 
the latter as frequently bakes it up with the addition of lime, chalk, 
■ailum, and other pernicious substances. Since the articles of diet 
have become branches of manufacture, tne public neither know 
what thev eat, nor what they drink. 

PeoplcMinagine, as the finest flour contains the greatest quantity 
of nourishment, that it must therefore be the most proper for mak¬ 
ing into bread ; bnt this by no means follows. The finest flour 
comes the nearest to starch, which, though it may occasionally prove 
a good medicine, makes bad bread. Household bread, which is 
made by grinding down the whole grain, and only separating the 
coarser bran, is without doubt the most wholesome. 

The best household bread I ever remember to have ale, was in 
the countV of York. It wets what they call merlin bread , and con- 
dried of wheat and rye ground together. I am not quite certain as 
to the pro nor I ion, but I think there might be two parts of the for¬ 
mer to one of the latter. This bread, when well fermented, eats 

E 3 


i 1 Ho 




580 'O F 13 R E A t), 

light, HOf a pleasant-?as(e,-and soluble to the bowels. After' using 
it tor for some years, I found that bread mace entirely of flour was 
neither so agreeable to the palate, nor so conducive to health. 

Bread is oftjen spoiled to please the eye. The artificially whiten¬ 
ed, drying, -stuffing bread, though made of the heart of the wheat, 
is in reality the worst of any ; yet this is the bread which most peo¬ 
ple prefer,'and the poorer sort will eat no other. 

Ail the-different kinds of grain are occasionally made into bread* 
some giving preference to one and some to another, according to ear¬ 
ly custom and prejudice. The people of South Britain generally 
prefer bred-made of the finest wheat flour, while those of the nor¬ 
thern counties ; eat a mixture of flour- and oatmeal, or ryemeal, and 
many give the preference - to bread made of oatmeal- alone. The 
common people of Scotland also eat a mixed bread, but more fre¬ 
quently bread of oatmeal only. In Germany the common bread 
is made of rye, anil the American labourer thinks no bread so 
strengthening as'that which is made of.ffjqdian corn ; nor do J much 
doubt but the Laplander thinks his brea V'macle of die bones of fishes 
is the best of any. 

Bread made of different kind's of grain is more wholesome than 
what is made of one onlyfas their qualities serve to correct one a no- 

y t 

iher. For example, wheal flour, especially the finer kind, being of 
a starchy nature, is 'apt to occasion constipation. Bread made of 
ryemeal, on the..other hand, proves often too slippery lor the bow¬ 
els. A due proportion of these makes the best bread. 

For the more active and laborious I would recommend a mixture 
of rye with the. stronger grains, as pease, beans, barley, oats, In¬ 
dian corn, and (he hke. These may be blended in many different 
ways: they make a hearty bread for a labouring man, and to use 
his own language, they lie longeron his stomach than bread made of 
wheat flour only. Bai ley bread passes too quickly through the ali¬ 
mentary canal to afford time for conveying the proper nourishment; 
but bread made of barley mixed with pease is very nourishing. 

When potatoes, or boiled grain, are used, bread-ceases to be a 
necessary article of diet. During the late scarcity of bread, I made 
it a rule not to eat above one half the quantity I used to do, and I 
found no inconvenient y whatever from the change. Nay, some 
told me, that for a considerable time they had left off die use* of 
bread altogether, without experiencing any change in the state of 
their health. 

A great part or the brea 1 consumed in this country is by children. 
It is always ready, and when the child rails for food, "a piece of 
bread is put into its ha xl, to save the trouble of dressing any other 
kind ot victuals; 7 Of many children this is the principal food, but 
it is far from be mg the most proper. Children are often troubled 
"withacidities of the'stomach and bowels; and ir is well known that 
bread mixed with water, and kept in a degree of heal equal to that 
-of (he human stomach, soon iurns sour. 

During the late scarcity, many of the labouring men, and even 
^artificer*, could not earn as much money as was sufficient to keep 
tlxeir families in the article of bread only. It is certain, however. 


O F 13 K K A U. 


mm a m 


ihat on a different plan, such'families might have lived very comfort¬ 
ably. Many of the articles of diet are cheaper than bread, and 
equally wholesome. Above one half of the ex pence of living might 
be saved by a due selection of the articles of diet. 

The English labourer lives chiefly on bread, which being accom¬ 
panied with other drv, and often salt food, fires his blood, and ex¬ 
cites an unquenchable thirst, so that his perpetual cry is for drink. \ 

But the greatest consumption of bread is occasioned by lea. It is 
said that tire subjects of Great Britain-consume a greater quantity 
of that herb, than the whole inhabitants of all the other nations of 
this quarter of the globe. The lowest woman in England must 
have her tea, and the children generally share-it with her. As tea 
contains no nourishment, either for young'or old, there must of 
course be bread and butter to eat along with it. The quartern loaf 
will not go far among a family of hungry children, and if we add 
the cost of tea,, sugar, butter, and milk, the expence of one meal 
will be more than would be. sufficient to fill their.bellies with whole¬ 
some food three times a day. 

There is reason to believe that one half the bread consumed in Eng¬ 
land is used to tea, without one hearty meal ever being made of it. 
The higher ranks use tea as a luxury, while the lower orders make 
a diet of it. I had lately occasion to see a striking instance of 


this in a family that was represented to me as in distress for want of 
bread. I sent them a little money, and was informed that they ran 
with it directly to the tea-shop. 

To a heavy, sluggish, phlegmatic man, a moderate use of tea may 
not prove pernicious;- but where there is a debilitated stomach and 
an irritability of fibre, it never fails to do much hurt. -With many 
i! has the effect to prevent sleep. 

Tea will induce a total change of constitution in the people of 
this country. Indeed it has. gone a great way towards effecting that 
evil already. A debility, and consequent irritability of-fibre, are 
become so common, that not only women, but even men, are affec¬ 
ted with them That class of diseases which, for want of abetter 
name, we call nervous, has.made almost a complete conquest of the 
One sex, and is making hasty strides towards vanquishing lhe other. 

Did women know the train of diseases induced bv debility, and 
how disagreeable-' these diseases render them to the other, sex, they 
would shun tea as the most deadly poison. No man can love a wo¬ 
man eaten up with vapours, or’washed down with diseases arising 
from relaxation. 

It is not tea taken as a beverage after a full meal, or in a crowded 
assembly, that I so much condemn, though I think something as ele¬ 
gant and less pernicious might be substituted in its place. The mis¬ 
chief occasioned by tea arises chiefly from its being substituted for 
solid food. This is so much the case at present, that, had I time to 
spare, I think it could not be better employed than in. writing against 

his destructive drug.;; 

t- 


OF 


( SSI- ) 




OF BOILED G R A I N : 

THOUGH- farinaceous substances, of one kind or another, make. 

& necessary part of the food of man, yet there can be no reason 
why such substances should al ways assume the name and form of 
Bread. Many of them are more wholesome, and not less agreeabie 
jn other forms. Bread is often used merely to save the trouble of 
cookery; and being portable, is the most convenient article of diet 
for Carrying abroad. 

It does not, however, admit of a doubt, that more grain is eaten. 
Boiled, though notin this country, than is made into bread; and that 
this mode of cookery is the most wholesome. Simple boiling.pre¬ 
cludes all adulteration, and is an operation much less jabourious and. 
artificial than baking. 

The most general article of diet among mankind, is rice. This 
may be made into a variety of dishes; but simple boiling is all that 
is required, to render it a proper subsitute for bread. It may either 
be eaten alone or with milk. In the.east, it is used with meat, in 
the same manner as we do bread. The people of this country be¬ 
lieve that lice proves injurious to the eyes, but this seems to be 
without foundation, as it has no such effect on those who make ii the 
principal part of iheir food. 

Many other kinds of grain will, when boiled, make good substi¬ 
tutes for bread. Even those which make a harsh and unpleasant sort 
of bread, are often rendered very palatable by boiling. This is the 
case with all the leguminous class of plants, as pease, beans, 

Even oats and barley are more agreeable, as well as more whole¬ 
some, when boiled, than made into bread. 

All allow that pease and beaus boiled, when young, are a great 
luxury. But when old, they are equally wholesome, and, when, 
properly cooked, by no means unpleasant. There are few who do 
not relish pease pudding, and even prefer it to bread. Beans are not 
so fit for this purpose; but they make an excellent ingredient in the 
poor man’s broth, and whoever eats this broth will find little occa- 
sion for bread. 

Pease and beans contain an equal quantity of sugar with wheal* 
oats or barley, and at the same time a greater proportion of ojl, con¬ 
sequently are more nourishing. This fact is confirmed by daily expe¬ 
rience, ' 

Co those farms where pease and beans are raised in great abun¬ 
dance, the labourers are much fed on that sort of grain ; but when 
removed to farms where they are fed with other kinds, of grain, they . 
u>on complain of a diminution of strength, and request a supply of 
pease meal as formerly. 

Nature seems to have pointed out tlyc propriety, of the.extensive 
ose of pease and beans; it being a fact, that when crops of that 
kind a;e duly alternated with crops oi wheat, b?fley, or oafs, the 
fertility of the soil may be maintained, without rest or manure, for. 
many years together; whereas, if. the latter be raised, op the same 

V 0 . 1 



OF BOILED G R 


A 

i.'v XI 


I i\. 


OQtt 

0 0 O 


soil for several years successively, they render It barren, so that, 
without rest or manure, us fertility cannot be preserved. 

The people in England are but little accustomed to the use,of 
boiled grain, though in many countries it is eaten as a luxury, ^pil¬ 
ed barley is a great favourite with the Dutch, and is eaten whir 
milk, butter, or molasses. It is the principal food of the Dutch sai¬ 
lors, who, in general, are both healthy and robust. 

Barley is one ot the best ingredients in soup. Count Rum ford 
say-', it possesses the quality of lithing, or thickening soups,' in a 
superior degree to any other grain. We have reason, however, 
to believe, tint grits, or coarse oatmeal, will answer that purpose 
still better- 

Oatmeal is frequently made into bread; hut it is a much more 
wholesome, as well as agreeable food, when made info haslv pu {- 
ding, and eaten with milk. The peasants in many parts of Brirahi 
make two meals a day of if, while their children almost wholly subi 
si*'t on it; and it is well known that both oid and young who are 
thus fed, are healthy and robust. 

The opinion of oatmeal being heating, and occasioning skin s- 
cases, is wholly without foundation. Dread made of oatmeal, when 
not leavened, will sometimes occasion the heart-burn; but this is 
no proof of its heating qualify. Unleavened bread, of wheat or 
any other grain, produces the same effect on a debilitated stomach. 
O .lineal thoroughly boiled seldom gives the heart-burn. 

Persons who are fed on oatmeal bread, or hasty pudding, are not 
more subject to diseases of the skin, than those who live on wheat 
meal. Cutaneous disorders proceed more, from the want of clean¬ 
liness, than from any particular aliment. The French, so far from 
thinking that oatmeal is heating, speak of it as possessed of a cool¬ 
ing quality; and even the English give oatmeal, or grif gruel, o 
lying-in women, and sick people of every description, which sh uvs 
that they are inconsistent with themselves, in alleging that the blood 
is fifed by the use of oatmeal. 

A lieutenant of the army, residing at a country village within 
a few miles of Edinburgh, with a wife and ten children, having ho 
other income than Ills half pay, fed the whole of his children with 
hasty pudding and butter-milk, only, from a conviction that it was 
the most wholesome and full diet, that fell within the read) of liis 
parrovv ciicumslances. They grew apace, and it was the universal 
remark of the neighbourhood, that they were as sprightly, healthy, 
and robust, as other children, and at the same time perfectly free 
from all skin diseases. 

Children,afe seldom well, unless when their bodies are gently 
open. But this is more likely to be the case when fed on. oatmeal 
and milk, than when their bellies are crammed With a starchy sub¬ 
stance marie of the finest hour; yet this in England is the common 
food of children. I have seen an infant stuffed four or five times 
a-hav with this kind of food. There needs no conjurer to tell the 
consequence. 

A late Au’hor, a man of learning but the dupe of prejudice, has, 
by a. ridiculous definition, endeavoured to represent oats as proper 



■. ' mu- 

3-8*. OF BUTTER. 

food for horses only., I wish (he horses in England devoured a smal¬ 
ler quantity of that grain, and the people more. Few things would , 
have a greater tendency to lessen the expence of living. The oats 
in North Britain are of a superior quality, and I hope the people 
\yili long have tire sense to use them as an .article of diet. 

Indian corn is likewise said to make the best food when boiled.. . 
Count Rumford ' observes, that of ali things it makes the best pud¬ 
ding, and that he has made a hearty meal of it,' sauce included, for 
live farthings. What makes good puuddings will makegood dump- - 
lings, and'these will, at any time, supply the place of bread. Tne 
Coiintalso remarks, that the negroes in America prefer Indian corn . 
to rice; and that the Bavarian peasants prefer it to wheat; that it 
fnighlb© imported from North America at about four or five shillings 
j\er bushel; that,. when made into flour, it would cost only one pen¬ 
ny farthing per poundand (hat it is highly nutritious, and the - 
cheapest food known. During the late scarcity a large quantity of 
this grain was. imported ; but such is the -aversion of the common . 
people of, this- country to every sort of food to which they are not«. 
accustomed, (hat they refused to purchase it, and the merchants. , 
were very great losers by the importation. On the same principle . 
thef Germans, till within- these few years, could not be induced to - 
eat potatoes, though now they are become extremely fond of them. 

The American, the Italian, and the German, all cook Indian corn, 
in the same way-as the North Briton does his oatmeal, by making 
it into hasty pudding. It may be eaten in a variety of ways; Some 
cal it with a sauce composed of butter and brown sugar, or butter 
and molasses.. Others oat it with milk only. In either way it makes * 
a good, cheap and wholesome diet, by no means disagreeable to . 
those who are-accustomed Ip it. 

The only other grain we shall mention as best when boiled, is 
buck, wheat: It is of a very mucilaginous nature, and of course 
highly riiuli if.ious. In several parts of Europe, it constitutes a prin¬ 
cipal part of the food of the lower people In former times it was 
eaten in Russia, not by the lower, classes only, even the nobility 
made use of it. Boiled, and then buttered, it was so great a fa- 
vo u rite of the great Czar Peter, that he is said to have seldom .sup-... 
ped on any thing else,.. 


OF B U T T E R. 


Tt has been said that the English have a thousand religions and. 
but one sauce. It. must be allowed that they use butter with almost, 
every kind of food. Butter, though a good article of diet, may ba 
used {no freely, and in this country, I am convinced, that is the case. 
To weak stomachs it is hurtful, even in small quantities, and when 
used tree! v, if proves prejudicial to the strongest. 

Butter, like other things of an oily nature, has a constant tendency 
to turn rancid. This process, by the heat of the stomach, is greatly 
accelerate s, insomuch that many people, soon after eating butter, 

complain 




O F BUTT F. R. 


Complain of' its rising in their stomachs, in a state highly disagree^ 
bie. Oils of every kind are with difficulty mixed with watery fluids* 
This is the reason why butter duals on the stomach, and rises in such, 
an unpleasant manner. 

Persons afflicted with bile should use baiter very sparingly,. Some 
scepjjal authors doubt whether or not aliment of any kind has an 
effect on the bile. One thing, however, is certain, that many pa¬ 
tients, afflicted with complaints which were supposed to be occa¬ 
sioned by bile, have been completely cured by a total abstinence 
from butter. 

The most violent bilious complaints that I ever met with, were 
evidently occasioned by food that became rancid on the ?to.maeji, a; 
Tie cholera morbus and the like. Nor can such complaints be cur¬ 
ed, till the rancid matter is totally evacuated by vomiting and purg¬ 
ing; 

But supposing butter did not possess the quality of becoming ran* 
cid on the stomach, it may nevertheless, prove hurtful to digestion. 
Oils of all kinds are gf a -relaxing p.’.T'tv, and tend to impede the 
action of digestion. Hence-, the. custom ,f'giving rich broths and 
fat meals to persons who have a voracious appetite. 

The free use of butter, and other oily substances, not only tends 
to relax the stomach, and impede its action, but to induce ii debility 
of the solids, which paves the way to many maladies. In a coun¬ 
try where two thirds of the inhabitants lead sedentary lives, a debi¬ 
lity of fibre must predominate. Whatever encreases that debility* 
ought to be avoided. 

Children, without exception, are disposed to diseases arising from 
relaxation Butter, of course, ought to be given to them with a 
sparing iiand. But is this the case? By no means. Bread and but¬ 
ter constitute a great part of the food of children, and I am convinc¬ 
ed that the gross humours with which they aim frequently troubled, 
are partly owing to this food. As children abound with moisture, 
bread alone is, generally speaking, better for them than bread and 
butter. 

I have been astonished to see the quantities of butter oaten by 
gross women who lead sedentary lives. Their tea bread is general¬ 
ly contrived so as to suck up butter like a spungc. What qir.mi- 
ties of crumpets and muffins they will devour in a morning, soaked 
with this oil; and afterwards complain of indigestion,, when they 
have eaten what would overload the stomach of a ploughman. Dr. 
Fothergill is of opinion, that butter produces the nervous or sick 
headach, so common among the women of this country. As a proof 
of this, it is often cured by an emetic. 

Oils, in certain quantities, excite nausea, and even vomiting 
They must of course prove unfriendly to digestion, A Dutch sail¬ 
or, we are told, can digest train oil. So may an English saiior: but 
it would be very improper food for"a London lady. 

To some of the leaner farinaceous substances, as the polatoe and 
the like, butter makes a very proper addition; but eating it to flesh 
and fish, of almost every description, is certainly wrong. The 
flesh eaten in this country is generally fat enough without the addi¬ 
tion. 



S3 6 


OF FRUITS AND ROOTS 


tion of butter, and (lie more oily kinds of fish, as salmon or herring?) 
are lighter on the stomach, and easier digested when eaten without it. 
Butter is rather a gloss food, and'fitter for the athletic and labo¬ 
rious, than the seden'ary and'delicate ft is less hurtful when eaten 
fresh than salted. Salt butte** certainly tends to induce skin disea¬ 
ses, and I am inclined to think, the free use of it at sea may have 
some share in bringing on that dreadful malady, so destructive to 
our brdVc sailois, the sea scurvy. 

There is a method of rendering salt blitter less hurtful, but it seems 
not to be known in England. What J mean is to mix it with an equal 
quantity of -honey, and keep it for use. In fids way it may be giv¬ 
en to children with greater freedom In North Britiaii this method 
of mixing butter with honey is well known, and from a common 
prove r b, I take the custom to be very ancient. 

Butter, »n itself, is not near so hilrtful, as when combined with 
Certain other things. For example: bread made with, butter is almost 
Indigestible, and pastries of every kind are little better ; yet many 
people almost, live upon pastry, and it is universally given to chil¬ 
dren. It is little better, however, than poison,' and never fails to 
disorder their stomachs. The fond mother cannot pass a pastry shop) 
without treating her darling boy with seine of the dainties, and then 
wonders hew begot the cough, or cholic. 

I have known a man seemingly in perfect health, who, by eating 
a penny-worth of pastr.v, as he passed along street, was seized with 
each an asthmatic fit, that he was obliged Id be carried home, and 
bad nearly lost his life. This occurred whenever he inadvertently 
ate-any thing baked with butter. 

Every thing that proves very injurious to health ought, as far as 
possible, to be prohibited, by laying a high doty upon it. A duty 
on pastry would be serving the public in more re.-peels' than one. U 
would save many lives, and lessen some tax on necessaries. 

Cheese, as a diet, is likewise injurious to health. It should ne¬ 
ver be eaten but as a desert. It occasions constipa'ion, fires 1 the 
blood, and excites a constant craving for drink. It is very impro¬ 
per for the sedentary, and hardly to be digested ewn by the athletic,. 

ff men will live on dry bread, poor cheese, salt butter, broiled 
, bsteon, and such like parching food, they will find their way to the 
ale-house, the bane of the lower orders, and the source of half (lit? 
beggary in the nation* 


OF FRUITS AND ROOTS. 

FRUITS and roots form a large class of substitutes for bread. 
The latter, being produced under ground, are less liable to suffer 
from the inclemency of the seasons than grain. Men who wish to 
inflame the minds of the multitude may inveigh against the substi¬ 
tutes for bread,; but reason and sound sense sav, the more substi¬ 
tutes tor bread the better. When one fails, recourse can be had to 
another. 




FRUITS AND ROOTS, 3'sr 

1 vvarm climates the inhabitants have many substitutes for breact ' r 



immemorial been cultivated in South America, bears fruit of u. 
.sweetish taste, which will dissolve in the mouth without chewing, 
it is eaten either raw, fried, or roasted. When intended to supply 
tne place of bread, it is gathered before it is.'ripe, and eatery either 
boiled or roasted. The banana'is nearly of the Same nature, but 
Us fruit' is greatly superior both-in taste anddlavour. 

1 hr inhabitants of the South Sea, or Ladrone islands, are *urrjji??-»- 
ed w ill) bread from a tree, which has been lately imported into our 
^ est India islands, and will it is hoped, be found to answer the* 
same purpose there. It has a slight degree of sweetness, but not 
much flavour. 'It resembles new bread, and requires to be roasted, 
before it is eaten. Those who have tastedut say, that it is in mo re* 
sped superior fo the potatoe. 

In some'of the West India islands the inhabitants* supply tin 



some of them eat it, during their residence in England, in preferences 
to the finest London bread. 

But (he most general substitutes for Bread in die West Indies are* 
the yams. There are three different species of this plant, the'foots 
of which are promiscuously used for bread. They are said to be* 
very nutritious, of easy digestion, and, when properly dressed, atr? 
by some preferred to the best wheateh bread. The taste is some- 
what like the'potatoe, but more luscious. The negroes generally 
eat (hern boiled, and Beaten into a masn. The white people have 
them ground into flour, and make bread and ’ puddings of them. 
They Cari be preserved for several seasons, without losing any ’of 
their primitive goodness. 

Of all the substitutes for Bread in Europe, the patafoe Is the most 
extensively useful. This plant is a native of Peru, and has Been in 
’Europe about five Hundred years. Like most other important disco¬ 
veries, ii made blit a slow progress, and is still far from being fo 
generally cultivated asit deserves lobe. It is indeed knov n inmOst 
parts'of Europe, but its culture is best understood in Ireland and the 
northern parts of 'England. At Harwich, however, the preference 
is given to the Diitch potatoes, brought over by the packets between 
that place ami Melvoet Slays. There is a light sandy soil in HoE 
land very favourable to the culture of that inestimable root. 

As this .plant thrives in every soil, and seldom suffers from the in¬ 
clemency of seasons, we must blame ourselves if we suffer a famine 
to ex ft. Indeed no such thing ever can be, ♦there due atleution 
is paid io the culture of potatoes. A far greater quantity of farinace¬ 
ous food can be raised on an acre of ground planted with potatoes, 
than sown with any kind of grain. It is not uncommon to have a 
return of forty for one. They are not so hearty a food as corn, but 
no man will ever perish for hunger who can have potaloes. 

F 3 Potatoes 



■SSS O T 'r R U ITS 'A N D R 0 O TS. 

Potatoes abound with an insipid juice;which induces some to think 
that they are not very nutritious. Facts, however, are against this 
opinion. Some of the stoutest men we know, are brought up oil 
rnsik and potatoes. Dr Pearson, who has bestowed some pains in 
analizing this root, says, that potatoes and water alone, with com- 
mon salt, can nourish men completely. They differ in colour and 
consistence, but not materially with regard to their nutritive quali¬ 
ties 

Some thin]; the firm kind are the most nutri:ious ; but the Irish, 
who must be good judges, give the preference to-the meally. The 
difference, however, depends much on the mode of cooking them. 

More than half the substance of potatoes consists of water, and 
experience shews, that’that mode of cooking, which most diminishes 
their moisture, is to be preferred, in London they are drenched in 
v/ater and washed before they are brought to market, which ac¬ 
counts, in a great measure, for the bad quality of the London pota¬ 
toes. 

They are dressed in a variety of ways, but simple boiling or roast¬ 
ing seems to be all the cooking they require, to render them a pro¬ 
per, substitute for bread. Some are fond of making bread of therm 
This, in my opinion, is marring both. Why manufacture auv thing 
into bread, which requires only the aid of fire to make it such? No¬ 
body thinks of making dough of the breadfruit; but the potato* 
might with as great propriety be called the bread root, as it is made 
into bread by the same process. 

Stewed mutton - and potatoes make rot only a nourishing but 
a very palatable-dish. The excess of fat of the mutton, which when 
otherwise cooked .sustains gmal loss, is thus preserved,-by being ab¬ 
sorbed by the potatoes. It is, however, io be observed, that when 
potatoes are used in broth ol slews, they ought previously to be boil¬ 
ed, and the water thrown away, as it contains something deleteri¬ 
ous. Simple boiling or roasting is sufficient to prepare potatoes 
to supply the place of bread, but when they are intended to serve 
as a meal, they require something of a softening nature, as milk, 
butter, on both. What a treasure is a milch cow and a potato© gar- 
rum, to a poor man vvph a large family, who lives in the Country ! 
Yet, with a Little attention from landlords and farmers, almost every 
man might he so accommodated. What a source of real wealth and 
population ! Men would multiply, and poverty, unless among the 
profligate, be unknown. Horses are sometimes'fed with potatoes, 
and become very fond of them. With t he addition of a smaM quan¬ 
tity off hay, they at e found to be sufficiently nourishing. 

1 would beg leave to recommend, both to landlords and farmers, 
& careftihperusal oi Earl Winchel sea’s excellent letter to Sir John 
"Sinclair, on- the■ advantages of cottagers renting lands. This hu¬ 
mane Nobleman takes up the matter in a truly patriotic light, and 
shews that farmers, instead of lessening the number of poor, do 
every thing they can to multiply them; and I am sorry to say that, 
so far as my observation goes, it agrees it entirely with his lordship’s. 

Some think that the potatoes unless it is made into bread, will not 
keep. An accident taught me the contrary. Many years ago a 

friend 




iricncl of ruine sent me a potatoe, after it had been roasted in an 
oven, on account of its singular figure, i laid it.on a shelf among 
some other things of the like kind, and was surprised, on removing 
them many years after, to-find the potatoe quite fresh though, as dry 
as a bone. On grating it down it was perfectly sweet; and as fit 
ior making soup as the day it was roasted. I apprehend that no¬ 
thing made into bread would have kept so long. 

Posterity will hardly believe that a scarcity of bread could be felt 
in Britain, at a time when it was. known that a sufficient quantitwof 
farinaceous food could be raised in one county for the inhabitants of 
the whole island. Let proper encouragement be given to the cuh 
ture of potatoes, and set famine at defiance. 

Many other domestic roots, sprouts, &c, are very wholesome, and 
may occasionally supply the piace of bread. Of these Mr, Bryant 
Of Norwich reckons above forty ; but we shall only take not ice, by 
way of specimen, of the most useful and productive. It is worthy 
of remark, that no nation can be very populous, which does not 
draw a great pari of its food from, under ground. 

The Je rusaleni artichoke is a native of Brazil, but, having besn. 
long cultivated in this country, it is too well known to need any 
description. From its taste,. which is like that of artichoke bottoms, 
it would seem to be nutritious^aml isTar from being unpleasant to 
the palate. Some reckon it windy, blit this may be corrected in die 
cooking, by warm spices, and as the plant is very productive, we 
would recommend it to be.-used in the same manner as.potatoes and 
the other farinaceous roots. 

Of the esculent roots in this country, the? parsnip is reckoned the 
most nourishing. It is likewise of easy digestion, and is agreeable 
to most palates. Some indeed dislike it on account of its sweetness; 
but that is a proof of its nutritive quality,. suga>" being the most nou. 
risking thing in nature. We are told that, in the north of Ireland, 
the poor people make beer from this root. 

There is not any plant that affords a more striking proof of the 
benefits of culture than the turnip. In its wild slate it is good for 
little or nothing; but, when properly cultivated, it not ordv affords 
wholesome nourishment for man, but furnishes the principal winter- 
food far cattle. There is a.species of this plant which grows in, 
North Britain, called the yellow turnip ; which is sweet, and of a 
superior quality to those produced in the south, particularly about 
London, which are bitter and stringy. The yellow turnip is the 
most nourishing, and also the m-ost hardy in sustaining the winter. 
It, is eaten withmilk to cure the consumption and scurvy. Margraaf 
says, he could extract no sugar from the turnip, which affords 
ground to conclude, that it is not so nutritive as certain other roots. 
Not only the root of the turnip, but the tops, when young, make 
very pleasant greens. The sprouts, if gathered when very lender, 
make an excellent sallad. 

The carrot, like the turnip, is good for .little in its.natural-state, 
being small, tough and stringy. Manured, it growslargc, succulent,, 
and of a pleasant flavour. It ought, however, to be eaten young, 
otherwise it lies oil the stomach, and is hard of digestion. It.is an 

ingredient 




OF FRUITS AND; ROOTS. 

ingredient in several soups, and being solid, may in some measures- 
&upp.y. the place Oi' : bread. P 

SdsarT, skirrets, and.the several kinds of beets, are all pleasant 
and nourishing.. They are likewise -of easy,digestion,, and.may be- 
ciress’ed in,a variety of'ways, Margraat has by experiments disco-, 
ver.ed, that both skirrets and beets contain a considerable .quantity 
of sugar. Though, the .exq acting a .saccharine salt from these plants* 
may be no-object while. we possess the West India islands, yet it 
serves to ,sb-ew. that.they possess a quantity of nutritious matter, .surf 
iicient to give them a,rcmk among.the ; articles calculated..to supply 
the place of bread.; 

The .onion, we ■ are . told, was a ..-great favourite in, Egypt fout,- 
1 »tousand years .ago. and ' D*. Hasselquest says, ic is not t > be wpn-. 
tiered at, for whoever has tasted the onions of Egypt must allow , 
that none can be better in any pajft of; the globe. There, he says >> 
they aje .sweeti though in many countries they aj;e strong and nau¬ 
seous.. There they are soft, whereas in northern countries they are.-. 
hard; and their coats so, .compact, that they are .difficult to digest. 
This very quality may however recommend them in countries where 
idod.is scaire. The. Doctor observes, that the Turks eat them roast-. 
<ed with their meat as we do .bread, and are . so fond of them that 
they wish to.be indulged with this dish in paradise. 

From the Doctor's account one would.be induced to .believe, that 
the onion u«ed in Egypt was of a different species from ours ; but 1 
am rather inobned (o think, it may depend on the mode of culture, aa,, 
well as on tiie warmth ofkcihnate. and the difference of soil, as we 
find in the southern parts of Europe they are milder than in the 
more northerly. In.Spain they are very mild, and a root weighing 
two pounds v, ill grow from a single seed. 

Onions are dressed m a. variety of wavs, but, in regard to 



1)0 we Is, Many-shun them on account, of the strong disagreeably 
small they communicate to the breath. Mr. Bryant says, this may. 
be remedied, by eating a few raw parsley leaves immediately after, 
which will effectually overcome the scent of the onions, and like-, 
wise can e them to.sit. more easy or. the-stomach. 

The leek is generally reckoiied among pot-herbs; but as the roof 
is the part chiefly used. tlniconsidiTation of it comes under the pre-. 
sent head of discussion. Indeed, if is ay properly, a root as the onion, 
wh.h'h grows chieny above.ground. The ieek/as well as the onion, 
is raid to be a constant, dish at the-tables.of the Egyptians, vylio chop 
them unll, and cat them with their meat. 

The leek is used as. a pot-herb in most.parts of Britain, especially 
in Wales, wheie the natives, are said to be fond of it. In Scot- 
h'.n.ia tud ifuivvii fowl and,a small piece oj salt beef, stewed with a 
large.quantity of leeks, is a very favorite dish. In my opipjon the 
lock is. not so generally used any whereas it deserves tp be. There 
is no ingredient got s into soup that is more wholesome, or that gives 
il a. better favour, than leeks. Jhcy are in many respects medicinal, 

and 




V F B R O T K'S AND S O U F S. 


5 * 


arid to my taste, axa-n ip g redKm t m soups, they are greatly superior 
to the onion, or any other pot herb whatever. 

It is a fact worthy, et observation, ih.at the boiling of vegetables 
substances thoroughly, extricates a consul enable quantity o» air, and\ 
makes them less liable to produce,flatulency. 

I could mention a great many more esculent plants which might 
occasionally supply the place of bread, but. the above specimen is 
suiheient to shew how liberal nature is in supplying man \ytih food, 
•provkied he will take the trouble of cultivating and cooking i!. bar. 
Bryant, in his history of esculent plants, .enumerates--above four hun¬ 
dred and fifty, each of which affords a wholesome nourishment,, and 
may occasionally be used in place of bread. 

OF BROTHS AND SOUPS. 

THESE may likewise be considered as substitutes for bread. I.r 
properly made they will serve both for bread and drink. "1 hough 
broth is a dish of the greatest antiquity, and may he considered as 
extremely delicious, yet it is not a favorite in this country. Here 
the people are fond of what they call solids; yet those very solids 
they make inpo broth, by swallowing as much drink alter them as 
they can get. The only'difference is, the foreigner makes his broth 
in a pot, and the Englishman makes his in the stomach.. 

A very sensible anonymous writer observes, that in England a- 
pound of meat makes simply a pound ol food ; whereas in .any other 
country in Europe, that quantity of animal food, w hen steveA down 
with vegetables and Scotch barley, will produce.a,n ample irx"al tor 
half a dossen people. Hence he justly infers that among the va ' rely 
of schemes which may h ive been devised by the humane for r.cVev- 
ing the distresses of the poor, a better and more extensive churn V 
cannot be devised than that of instructing them in a new mode of 
cookery. 

The same author adds, that the result of his experiments on this 
subject, had exceeded his most sanguine expectations, and that each 
day gave him fresh proofs of the excellency of his plan for teaching 
the poor and needy to find themselves in a wholesome and palata¬ 
ble diet, a, the cheapest rale, in which little or no tri ad was r-equir* 
lie concludes by asserting that there is scarce a place in this 


cd 

kingdom where twenty persons may not have a wholesome, heartv, 
and palatable meal for three shillings. 

This anonymous letter is followed by one from Colonel Poynter, 
^vvo from Dr. Johnston, of the royal hospital at Haslqr. addressed 
to Admiral Waldegrave, and one from the Admiral himself, written 
for insertion in a public paper. They contain a variety of receipts 
for making cheap, wholesome, and nourishing dishes for the poor. 
These dishes consist chiefly of broths, soups, and stews, or what 
they call pottage, and are calculated to mal^e a hearty and plentiful 
meal without bread or drink. 

I am inclined to pay the more attention lo these letters, as they 
seem all to have been written by gentlemen of observation. The 
pamphlet is sold by Longman and Debreit, for a charitable prire, at 
the small price of three pence. The 





The writer who has paid most attention to the improvement o£ 
cookery for the benefit of the poor, is Count Rumford. In his eco¬ 
nomical and philosophical essays, he lias given such a variety of 
forms for making wholesome, cheap and nourishing soups, stews, 
and other dishes for common use, that little more seems necessary to 
be said on the subject. I shall only observe that the mode of living 
on broths, soups, hasty-pudding,' and such like, so warmly and just* 
3y recommended by the Count, has been practised in the northern^ 
parts of this kingdom from.time immemorial. There the food of the 
common people is hasty-pudding with milk for breakfast and supper, 
and broth, with vegetables and meat, for dinner. The poorer sort 
often make broth without meat,; but they all use vegetables in great 
abundance, and sometimes they supply the place of meat with but¬ 
ter. As the hasty-pudding ana milk make a compleat meal, no bread 
is necessary either at supper or breakfast; nor is much required at 
dinner, as the broth is made thick with barley, cabbage, and a va¬ 
riety of other vegetables or pot-herbs. Cabbage is a favorite ingre¬ 
dient in the Scotchman's broth. It is seldom made without this ar¬ 
ticle, whic h is not eaten so early as in England. It is there suffered 
1 o grow to maturity, and when that is the case there is no plant 
more productive. This the Germans know well, and make it into 
sour crout , one of the best antidotes against the scurvy with which 
we are acquainted 

This kind of diet not only saves bread but drink. The labourer 
who lives on hasty-pudding and soups, seldom has occasion for drink; 
while he who is burnt up with dry bread and cheese, or salt meat 
broiled, has a continual thirst, and spends the greater part of his 
earnings in liquor. This, by acting as a powerful stimulus, may 
make him do more work for some time, but it generally cuts him off; 
in the middle of his days. The English labourer, who works hard, 
and drinks hard, seldom lives long, and is an old man when he should 
be in his prime. 

The roasting of meat is a wasteful mode of cookery, which ought., 
to be avoided by the poorer sort of people, as much cf the substance, 
and the most nutritive parts, are lost by scorching, and fly off by 
evaporation. 

I know it. will be said, that I recommend slops in place of solid 
food. They are such slops, however, as the greatest heroes of anti¬ 
quity lived upon ; and though I have visited most parts of the island, 

I know of no better men than those who live in the manner describ¬ 
ed above, nor are the people any where more healthy, or longer lived. 

Broth is not only a dish of great antiquity, but one that can be 
made in a great variety of ways. It receives into its composition 
animal and vegetable substances of every kind that are used in diet, 
and it may he seasoned so as to suit every palate. Indeed, people 
early accustomed to eat broths properly made, are generally fond of 

them for their whole lives. 

> 

It would be difficult to assign a reason why the inhabitants of 
South Britain should dislike a dish so much relished by other nati¬ 
ons. Ci stom, no doubt, settles all these things; but how customs 
arise is not so clear a matter. If an alteration in diet is to be intro¬ 
duced 
. « 


S9J 


OF BROTHS AND SOUPS. 

caced with effect, it must begin with children. Whatever men are 
accustomed to eat when young, they generally prefer for the rest of 
their lives. Were the children in South Britain taught to eat hasty- 
pudding, with milk, for breakfast and supper; and broth with ve¬ 
getables and meat boiled in it, for dinner, they would relish these 
dishes as long as they lived, would find little occasion for bread, and 
suitl less for drink; and would thrive better than on their present food,. 

What parents love themselves, they generally give to their chil¬ 
dren, without any regard to its being proper for them or nob I 
nave seen a father who was fond of string beer, make his son, an 
infant, guzzle it at every meal; and the mother who delights in tea, 
does not fail to give it to her daughter whenever she takes it to herself. 
By this conduct^ the son becomes a tippler, and daughter sips tea in 
place of solid food, until she is eaten up with vapours and other ner¬ 
vous disorders. 

Count Rumford says, brown soup is the common breakfast of the 
Bavarian peasants, to which they occasionally arid bread. This he 
avers is infinitely preferable in ail respects to that pernicious wash, 
tea, with which the lower classes of the inhabitants of this island 
drench their stomachs, and ruin their constitutions. He adds, that 
a simple infusion of this drug, drank boiling hot, as the poor gene¬ 
rally drink it iscertainly poison, which, though itbe sometimes slow in 
its operation, never fails to produce fatal effects, even in the strongest 
constitution, where the free use of if is continued for a considerable 
length of time. 

The German on his polenta, the American on his 7mtsh, and the 
North Briton on his hasty-pudding, can make a hearty breakfast for a 
tenth part of what a tea-break r ast would cost, while it is infinitely 
more wholesome. It has likewise the advantage that no bread is 
necessary. 

I have been often told, when recommending soups to the poor, 
that they had not time to make them, and that they could not afford 
fuel on account of its price, as it is dear in great toi%ps. They can 
however, find fuel twice a-day to boil a tea-kettle, and time to make 
the tea, which is a more tedious operation, by far* than making a 
mess of hasty-pudding. Fora.great part of the year even the poor¬ 
est person must have a little fire ; and it would require no more to* 
make a comfortable mess of soup, which is always best when made 
with a slow fire. 

The mode of livingthat I would recommend to the lower orders 
of the people, with a view to save expence and improve their health, 
is to substitute occasionally other farinaceous substances in the place 
bread, as potatoe, &c. to give up in a great measure the use' of 
roasted, baked, ami broiled meats, and to supply their place with 
broths, soups, stews, and such like, made w ith a little meat and 
plenty of vegetables; to give to children, and to grown people who- 
v/illeatit, for breakfast, milk-porridge, or hasty-pudding with milk, 
small beer,or molasses. This will be found a more wholesome break¬ 
fast, than tea, while it is much cheaper and requires no bread*, 

* The celebrated Dr. Huffland, in his Art of prolonging Life, fays, the 
moderate uf§ of foups is certainly not hurtful; audit is- lingular that people 





e o n c l v s i o i\r. 

Although' che place of breia may be occasionally supplied 
farinaceous roof° and other vegetables, yet <\e would by no means 
wish to discourage the c'Uitufe of grain. The culture of grain is the 
culture of men. While the husbandman is raising food for his fei - 
i nv-creatures* be is laying the foundation of h alfih and longevity 
to himself and. his offspring, innumerable benefits Ire connected 
with the culture of grain. While the artificer is sitting in some 
awkward •posture* breathing confined and perhaps contaminated air;, 
the cultivator of the coil rises with the sun, eats his wholesome fncal 
of milk ami farinaceous food, Ives him to the field* where he spends 
the 'day in useful labour, inhales the fresh breezes, and at eve returns 
home with a keen appetite, to enjoy las simple fepast and sound 
repose. 

If has been said, as artificers can earn more money than those whek 
cultivate the ground, that arts ought to be encouraged, and grain, if 
necessary, imported. No manufacture is equal to the manufacture 
of grain. It supplies foot; for man and beast, while the surplus; by 
being exported* enriches the nation. Nor is it subject to the oncer* 
larntyo of other manufactures. They often depend on fashion and 
caprice, but the necessaries of life vviii always find their value some¬ 
where. The’ I am convinced that some regulation's are wanting for 
the encouragement of agriculture, I do not consider itasniv province 
to dictate to the wisdom of the legislature. They know their duty 
and I ha'-e reason to believe that they are inclined to pay it all due 
attention. 

I will venture however id assert, that if proper encouragement 
were given to agriculture, Britain would at all times not only have a 
sufficiency of grain for her own consumption, but a surplus for ex¬ 
portation. Tats would contribute more to her real wealth, the han- 
piness of her j.^pp’e, and the stability of her government than -efi- 

{hou!d imagine if tends too much to relax the flcmacb, Does not all our 
drink, even though colu, become:in a few minutes-a kind of warm foup in 
the ffomach ; and does not the ftomach *etaiu the fame temperature during 
the whole day ? Be careful’only not to vfe it hc»r, in too great quantity a: 
onetime, Or too u a ery . It is attended even with great advantages 1c 
f’oplies the place of drink, particularly to men of letters; women, and all 
tn fie who tin not drink, or drink very little except at table; and who, when 
they give over foup, receive into their blood too little moiiture. And it is 
here to he. remarked, that fluids tiled in the form of loops unite much better 
and fooner with our juices than when drunk cold and raw. On this aceolmt 
foup is v great preventive of dry fiefs and rigidity in the body, and therefore 
the belt nourilhment for old people, and thole who are of an arid tempera¬ 
ment. .. T even fupphes the place of medicine. After catching cold, in 
nervous head-aches, cholics, and different kinds of cramp in the llomach, 
warm fi up is of excellent fiervice. It may ferve as a proof of the u ility, or 
a. lead harmlefisnefs of fi up, when I remark that our forefathers, who cer¬ 
tainly had more ftrength titan we have, ufed foup ; and that it is ufied by ruf- 
ttes. who are dill Itronger than thole in refined life ; and that all the oii 
people with whom I ever was acquainted were great friends to it. 






CONCLUSION. 


tfvcr the Increase of her trade, the flourishing of her manufactures, 

O y 

or the extension of her territory. 

Il is a matter of real regret and wonder that Britain, at a time 
when agriculture is cultivated as a science, should not be able (o 
raise grain for the supply of Her own inhabitants, but become every 
year more dependent on foreign states for even the necessaries oflifo. 
Until an adequate remedy can' be found for this growing evil, the 
free use of the various substitutes for bread cannot fail to alleviate 
the calamities of the poor, and to reduce the price of labour. 

The great consumption of animal food, and lire immense number 
of horses kept in this country, are to be reckoned among the causes 
of the scarcity of grain, Mr. Mackie computes the number of horses 
in this country to be about two millions, and that every horse, oil 
an average, consumes the produce of three fertile acres ; conse¬ 
quently the produce of six millions of fertile acres is annually con¬ 
sumed by horses. These would produce a quantity of grain more 
than sufficient to maintain half the inhabitants of Great-Bntain. Two 
hundred and sixty thousand of these animals are kept lor pleasure. 
I shall be told that they contribute to health. That I deny. Did 
our ladies of fashion and fine gentlemen make use of their limbs, 
instead of being dragged about in carriages, they would both bene¬ 
fit themselves, and the public. I shall conclude these remarks with 
the advice of the humane and benevolent Thomson: 

'*» Ye gen’rous Britons! venerate the plough, 

“ And o’er your hills and long withdrawing vale3 
«* Let autumn fpreadher treafures to the fun ‘ * 

*• Luxuriant and unbounded. As the fea 
F ar through his azure turbulent domain 
Your empire owns, and from a thou land fliores 
“ Wafts all the pomp of life into your ports; 

“ So with fuperior boon may yoUr rich foil 
“ Sxub’rant Nature’s better ble flings pour 
n O’er ev’ry land, the naked nations clothe, 

And be the exhau&lefs gran’ry of a world.’ 5 


G % 


ft 







CONTAINING 



XT’ 

- 


A Lift of Simples, and of fuch Medici¬ 
nal- Preparations as ought to be kept 
in Readinefs for private Practice: .. 

J- - 

The Method of preparing'and-com¬ 
pounding fuch Medicines as aie re¬ 
commended in the former Part of the 
Book,-: with the; Addition of federal 
others of a firoilar Nature: 

Remarks on the Dofes, Ufes, and Man¬ 
ner of applying the different Prepa¬ 
rations. . 


Medic amcntorum varietaz igncrentix Jilid esi. ■ 


Bacon,. 


„ r - 


( 588 ) 


INTRODUCTIO N. 


"TGNORANCE and superstition have- attributed extraordinary- 
3 medical virtues to almost every production of nature. That such 
virtues were often imaginary, time and experience have sufficiently 
shewn. Physicians, however, from a veneration for antiquity, still 
retain in their lists of medicine many things which owe their repu¬ 
tation entirely to the superstition and credulity of our ancestors. 

The instruments of medicine will always be multiplied, in pro¬ 
portion to men's ignorance of the nature and cause of diseases ; when 
these are sufficiently understood, the method of cure will be simple 
and obvious. 

Ignorance of the real nature and permanent properties of those 
substances employed in the cure of diseases, is another reason why. 
they have been so greatly multiplied. Physicians thought they 
could effect by a number of ingredients, what could not be done by 
any one of them. Hence arose those amazing farragos which have 
so long disgraced the medical art, and which were esteemed power¬ 
ful in proportion to the number of simples that entered their com¬ 
position. 

The tarsal: variety of forms into which almost every article of me- 

n y 

dicine has been manufactured, affords another proof of the imper¬ 
fection of the medical art, A drug which is perhaps most efficaci¬ 
ous in the-simplest form in which it can be administered, has been 
nevertheless served up in so many different shapes, that one would be 
induced to think the whole art of physic lay in exhibiting medicine 
under as many different modes as possible. 

Different forms of medicine, no doubt, have their use; but they 
ought never to be wantonly increased. They are by no means so 
necessary as is generally imagined. A few grains of powdered rhu¬ 
barb, jalap, or ipecacuanha, will actually perform all that can be 
done by the different preparations of these roots and may also be 
exhibited in as safe and agreeable a manner. The same observation 
holds with regard to the Peruvian bark, and many other simples, of 
which the preparations are very numerous. 

M uliiplying the ingredients of a medicine, not only renders it 
more expensive, but also Jess certain, both in its dose and operation, 
.Nor is this all. The compound, when kept, is apt to spoil, or ac-. 
quire qualities of a different nature. When a medicine is rendered 
more safe, efficacious, or agreeable, by the addition of another, 
they ought, no doubt, to be joined; in all other cases, they are hot¬ 
ter kept asunder. The combination of medicines embarrasses the 
physician, and retards the progress of medical knowledge. It is 
impossible to ascertain the precise effect of any < one medicine, as 
long as it is combined with others, either of a’similar w dissimular 
nature. 

■VC Ill 


INTRO D IT C T I O X. 


399* 


In the exhibition cf medicine, regard should not only be had fo 
simplicity, but likewise to elegance. Patients seldom reap much, 
benefit from things that are highly disagreeable to their senses; To 
taste or smell like a drug, is become a proverb; and to say truth, 
there is too touch ground for it. Indeed no art can takeaway the 
disagreeable taste and flavour of some drugs, without entirely des¬ 
troying their efficacy : it is possible, however, to render many 
medicines less disgust fill, and others even agreeable navi nbiect 
highly deserving the attention of all who administer medicine. 

The design of the following pages Is, to exhibit such a list of drugs 
and medicines’as may be necessary for private practice. They are 
considerably more numerous indeed than those recommended in the 
former part of the Book, but are still greatly within the number con¬ 
tained in the most reformed dispensatories. The same medicine-.is 
seldoni exhibited under different forms; and where diiferent medi¬ 
cines answer nearly the same intention, there is 'Commonly ncr more 
than onh of them retained. Multiplying forms of medicine.for the 
same intention tends rather to bewilder than assist the young practi¬ 
tioner, and the experienced physician can never be at a less to vary 
bis prescriptions as occasion requires. 

The chemical and other difficult ’preparations are for the most part 
omitted. -All o! them that are used by any private practitioner are 
not worth preparing. He will buy them much c heaper than lie can 
make them. Great care however is necessary to obtain them genuine. 
They are often adulterated, and ought never to Be purchased unless 
from persons of known veracry. Such of them as are in common 
use, are inserted in the list of drugs and medicines. Their proper 
closes, and manner of application, are mentioned in the practical 
part of the Book, wherever they are prescribed. 

Such articles of medicine as are to be found in tire h 
of almost every peasant, as barley, eggs, onions, &c. are likewise, 
for the most pari, omitted. It is needless to swell a list of medicines 
with such things as can be obtained whenever they are warded, and 
which spoil by being kept. 

The preparations made and sold by distiller* and con feci icncrs -are 
also generally left out. Those people, by operating upon-a larger 
plan, generally make things better, while it is in their power ;o af¬ 
ford them much cheaper, than they can be prepared by any private 
hand. 

The quantity ordered of every medicine is as small as we!! coni I 
be prepared, both to prevent unnecessary ex pence,. and ibv. t the 
medicine might not spoil by keeping. Almost every medicine suf¬ 
fers by being kept, and should be u-ctla> soon after it has been 
prepared as possible. Even simple drugs are apt to pod, 
and should therefore be laid in in small quantities; they either 
rot, are consumed by insects, or evaporate so as to lose their pecu¬ 
liar taste or flavour,' and often become quite insignificant. 

In the preparations of medicines, ] have generally followed the 
most approved dispensatories ; but have taken the liber-'y to JdL-r 
frorn them wherever my own observations, or these cl ether prac¬ 
tical 


cuseor garden 





tical writers; on whose jndgment I could depend, suggested’an im* 
provement; 

In several compositions, the ingredient on which the efficacy of 
the medicine chiefly depends is increased, while the auxiliaries, 
which are generally ordered in such trifling quantities as to be of no 
importance, are left out, or only such of them retained as are ne¬ 
cessary to give the medicine a proper consistence, or the like. 

Thecolouring ingredients are likewise for the most part omitted,, 
They increase the price and bulk of the medicine, without adding 
any thing to its value;• It would be well if they were never used 
at all. Medicines are often-adulterated for the sake of a colour. 
Acrid and even poisonous substances are, for this purpose, some¬ 
times introduced into those medicines which ought to be most bland 
and emollient/ Ointment of elder, forexample, is often mixed with 
verdegrise to give it a fine green colour, which entirely frustrates 
the intention of that mild ointment.' Those who wish to obtain 
genuine medicines should pay no regard to their colour. - 

Some regard is likewise paid to expence. Such ingredients as 
greatly increase the price of any composition, without adding con¬ 
siderably to its virtue, are generally either omitted, or somewhat 
less expensive substituted in their place Medicines are by no 
means powerful in proportion to their price. The cheapest are often, 
the best; besides, they are the least apt to be adulterated, and are 
always most ready to be obtained, - 

With regard to the method of compounding medicines, I have 
generally followed that which seemed to be the most simple and na¬ 
tural, mentioning the different steps of the- process in the same or¬ 
der in which they ought to be taken, without paying an implicit re¬ 
gard to the method of other dispensatories; - 

For many of the remarks concerning the preparation, &c, of me¬ 
dicine-', i have been obliged to the author of the New Dispensatory. 
The other observations are either such as have occurred to myself in 
practice, or have been suggested in the course of reading,, by au¬ 
thors whose names I am not able distinctly to-recollect. 

I have followed the alphabetical order, both with regard to the 
simples and preparations. A more scientific method would have 
been agreeable to some persons, hut less useful to the generality of 
readers. The different classes of medicine have no great depend’ 
ence upon one another, and, where they have, it is hard to say 
which should stand first or last; no doubt the simple preparations 
ought to precede the more compound But all the advantages aris¬ 
ing from this method of arrangement, do not appear to be equal to 
that single one,.of being able, on the first opening of the book, to 
find out any article, which, by the alphabetical order, is rendered 
quite easy. 

The dose of everv medicine is mentioned whenever it appeared 
necessary. When this is omitted it is to be understood that theme- 
<lic : ne may be used at discretion. The dose mentioned is always for an. 
adult, unless when the contrary is expressed. It is not uneasy mat¬ 
ter to proportion the doses of medicine exactly to the different ages, 

constitutions. 


5 T -N T R O D U C T I O N. ■ 4Gi 

’ constitutions, &c. of patients; but, happily for .mankind, mathema¬ 
tical exactness is by no means necessary. 

Several attempts have been made to ascertain the proportional 
doses for the different ages and constitutions of patients; but after 
all that can be said on this subject, a great deal must be left to the 
^ judgment and skill of the person who administers the medicine. 
The following general proportions may be observed; but they are 
by no means intended for exact rules. A patient between twenty 
and fourteen may take two thirds of the dose ordered for an adult; 
from fourteen to nine, one half; from nine to.six, one third; from 
six to four, one fourth; from four to two, one sixth ; from two to 
-one, a tenth; and below one, a twelfth. 

. Dispensatories are usually written in the Latin language. Even 
authors who write in English, , generally give their prescriptions in 
Latin ; and some of them shew so great an attachment to that lan¬ 
guage, as first to write their recipes in it, and afterwards translate 
them; while others, to compromise the matter, write the one half in 
* Latin and the other m'English. 'What peculiar charm a medical 
prescription, when written in Latin, may have, I shall not pretend 
to say; but have ventured to make use of the plainest English 1 could, 
and hope my prescriptions will succeed no worse for it. 

N. B. The Apothecary’s weights, and the English wine measures, 
are used throughout the whole book, the different denominations of 
which will appear from the following Table: 

A pound contains twelve ounces. 

An ounce - - eight drachms. 

A drachm - - three scruples. 

A scruple - - twenty grains. 

A gallon contains eight pints. 

A pint - - sixteen ounces. 

An ounce - - eight drachms. 

A spoonful is the measure of half an ounce. 


A .LIST 




4 

\ 


4o£ ^ 


A LIST of SIMPLES, and of such MEDICINAL 
PREPARATIONS, as ought to be kept in readi¬ 
ness for private Practice. 


A" 


ARIC 

A i n m 


Antimony, crude 

-„ ti ana bar of 

4 - 1 .~- sulphur of 

EaRam o r Capivi 

• -of Peru 

■ -of Tolu 

Bark, cascarilla 
—-— cinnamon 

-Mczerion 

- Peruvian 

• -Winter’s, cr canella-alba 

Borax 

Calamine stone, levigated 
Castor, Russian 
CJaustic, common 

-lunar 

Earth, Fuller’s 

-Japan 

-Armenian bale 

-French ditto 

Extracts of gentian 

-of guaiacufn 

—-of hellebore, black 

-of hemlock 

-of jalao 

- of liquorice 

-of Peruvian bark 

- of poppies 

- or wormwood 

Flowers of camomile 

- colt’s foot 

- elder 

-rosemary 

- damask and red roses 

Fruits, almonds 

• -bitter apples 

--cassia fistularis 

- -* Cun acoa oranges 

-- figs, dried 

■ - French prunes 

- Jamaica pepper 

-- juniper berries 


Fruits, nutmegs 
—-— tamarinds 
Gum, aloes 

- ammoniac, in tear?. 

- arabic 

-- a safest ida 

■ -camphor 

- galbanum 

—— gamboge 

-- guaiacum 

— — kino 

--myrrh 

—•- opium 
Hartshorn, calcined 

-shavings of 

Herbs, lesser centaury 

■ -- peppermint 

--- spearmint 

• 1 penn) -royal 

-- savin 

-trefoil 

--- uva ursi 

--worm wood 

Lead, Litharge 

• -white 

- sugar of 

Lemon-peel 
Mace 

Msnesia alba 
Manna 

Mercarv, crude 
-calcinated 

• -AZthiop’s mineral 

• - calomel 

- corrosive sublimate 

• - red percipitate 

- white ditto 

Musk 

Oil, essential, of amber 

• -* of arm Be 

-of cinnamon 

-of juniper 

---- of lemon-peel 

• --oi peppermint 





























































LIST OF SIMPLES, fee, 


■ 46 * 




Gi?, expressed, of almonds 

-of linseed , 

Oil of Olives, or Florence oil 

-of palms 

-oi turpentine 

Orange-peel 
Oyster shells prepared 
Poppy-heads 
Resins benzoin 

-*— flowers of 

--Burgundy pilch 


Seeds, anise 
- carraway 


eai uamooa 

coriander 

cummin 


— mustard 

— sweet fennel 

— wild carrot 


• -— dragon’s blood 

• - frankincense 

-—- liquid storax 

■ - white, or rosin 

- Scammoily 

Roots, birth wort 

■ -calamus aromaticiiS 


— --- coni rayerva 

-garlic 

-— gentian 

— - ginger 

■-hellebore, black, While 

• -- jalrtp 

— -— ipecacuanha 

- lily, white 

- liquorice 

• -marshmallow 

-- mezerion 

- rhubarb 

— - sarsaparilla 

• - seneka 

--squifls 

-- (ermeniil 

-turmeric 

-Virginian snake 

-wild valerian 

-— -zedoary 

v? ii i 11 on 

Sa! amo'niac crude 

——;-volatile 

fait, fipsom 

— ! — o♦ Glauber 

--— of hartshorn , 

- nitre, purified, or prunai 

— -PoU c ! rest 


Senna 
Spanish ’flies 
Spermaceti 

Spirits, setherial, or aether 

-oi hartshorn 

-— of lavender com 

----of niLre 

--ditto dulcified 

*-of sal amoniac 

— -of sea salt 

- : — of vinegar 

«—--of vitriol 

— --of wine rectified 

volatile aromatic 


Steel, 'filings of 

-- rust of prepared 

- soluble salt of 

Sulphur vivum 
-balsam c£ 


flow 


of 


Tar 

'--Bar badoes „ 

Tartar, cream of 

-.— emetic 

t -—soluble 

—•—vitriolated 


Tin prepared 
Tutty levigated 
Turpentine Venice 
Verdegrise 
Vitriol-, green. 

-blue 

-white 

Wax, white 

-- yellow 

Woods guaiacnm 


-Rochel 

--of tartar 


logwood 

c » 

sassafras 

saunders, red 


Zinc, flowers of 


H 3 


MEDICINAL- 











































































404 ) 


MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS, 

B A L S A M S. 

subject of this section is r.ot the natural balsam', but cer- 
Jl tain compositions, which, from their being supposed to pos¬ 
sess balsamic qualities, generally go by that name. 

This class of medicines was formerly very numerous, and held in 
■great esteem: modern practice, however, has justly reduced it to a 
very narrow compass. 

Anodyne Balsam, 

Take of white Spanish soap, one ounce; opium, unprepared, 
'two drachms;, rectified spirit of wine, nine ounces. Digest them 
-together in a gentle heat for three days; then strain off the liquor, 
ar.d add tc it three drachms of camphor. 

T his balsam, as its title expresses, is intended to ease pain. It 
is of service in violent strains and rheumatic complaints, when not 
attended with inflammation. It must be rubbed wish a warm hand 
on the part affet ;ed; or a linen rag moistened with it may be appli¬ 
ed to the part, and renewed every third or fourth hour, till the pain 
abates. If the opium is left out, this will be the Saportucious Bcilftim. 

Locate / li*s Balsam. 

Take of olive oil, one pint; Sirasburg turpentine and yellow wax. 
of each half a pound; red saunders, six drachms. Melt the wax with 
some par t of the oil over a gentle tire ; then adding the remaining 
part of the,oil and the turpentine ; afterwards mix in the saunders 
previously reduced to a powder, and keep them stirring together till 
the balsam is cold 

This balsam is recommended in erosions of the intestines, the dy- 
sentary, haemorrhages, internal bruises, and; in some complaints of the 
breast. Outwardly it is used for healing and cleansing wounds and 
ulcers. The dose, when taken internally, is from two scruples to 
two drachms. 

The vulnerary Balsam . 

Take of hbnroin, powdered, three ounces ; babam of Peru, 
two ounces; hepatic aloes, in powder, half an ounce; rectified spi¬ 
rit of wipe, two pints. Digest them in a gentle heat for three days, 
and then sliain the Balsam ' 

This balsam, or rather tincture, is applied externally to heal recent 
wounds and bruises. It is likewise employed internally to remove 
coughs, asthmas, and other complaints of the breast. It is said to ease 
the cholic, cleanse the kidnies, and to heal internal ulcers, Szc. 

Ttie dose is fro m twenty to sixty chops. 

This, though a medicine of some value, does not deserve the ex¬ 
travagant encomiums which have been bestowed on it. It has been 
celebrated under the different names of The Commander's Balsam, Per - 
siiW Ba'mn, Balsam of Verne, lFade's Balsam, Friar 's Balsam, Jesuit’s 
Drops, Turlington’s Drops, &c. BOLUSES* 


( 405 ) 


BOLUSES. 

• ’ , 

/k S boluses are intended for immediate use, volatile salts and 
Jg%, other ingredients improper for being kept, are admitted into , 
their composition. They are generally composed of powders., with ■ 
a proper quantity of syrup, conserve, or mucilage*-. The lighter pow¬ 
ders are commonly made up with syrup, and the more ponderous, as 
mercury occ. with conserve; but those of the lighter kind would 
be more conveniently made up with mucilage, as it increases their 
bulk less than the other additions, and likewise occasions the medicine 
to, pass down more easily. 

Astringent Bolus . 

•Take of alum, in powder, fifteen grains; gum kino, fiv-e grains j 
syrup, a sufficient quantity to make a bolus. 

In an excessive flow of the men revs, and other violent discharges 
of blood, proceeding from relaxation, this bolus may be given every 
four or live hours, till the discharge abates. . 

Diaphoretic Bolus , 

Take of gum guaiacnm, in powder, ten grains; flowers of sulphur 
and cream of tartar, of each one scruule; simole syrup, a.sufficient 
quantity. 

In rheumatic complaints, and disorders of the skin, this bolus may f 
be taken twice a day. It will also be of service in the inflammatory v 
quinsey. 

Mercurial Bolus . 

Take of calomel, six grains; conserve of roses, half a drachm. 
Ijdake a bolus. 

Where mercury is necessary, this bolus may be taken twice or 
thrice a w r eek. it may be taken over night; and if it does not ope¬ 
rate, a fevvgrains of jalap will be proper next day to carry it off. 

Bolus of Rhubarbfind Mercury .. 

Take of the best rhubaib, in powder, bom a scruple., to half a 
drachm; of calomel, from four to six grains; simple syrup, a suffi¬ 
cient quantity to make a bolus. 

This is a proper purge in hypochondriac constitutions; but its 
principal intention is to expel worms. Where a stronger purge is 
necessary, jalap may be used instead of the rhubarb. 

Pectoral Bolus. 

Take of sperma-ceti, a scruple*, gum ammoniac, ten .grains; salt 
' hartshorn, six grains; simple syrup, as much as will make them 


of 

knto a bolus. 

This bolus is given in colds and coughs of long standing, asthmas, 
and beginning consumptions oi the lungs. It is generally proper 1.0 
bleed the patient before he begins to use it. 

Purging Bolus . 

Take of jalap, in powder, a scruple; cream of tartar, two scru¬ 
ples Let them be rubbed together, and formed into a bolus, with 
simple syrup, ~\Uuw 


4pq. 


APPE N,D I X. 

Where a mild purge is wanted, this will answer the purpose ve»y : 
well'. It a stronger, close is necessary, the.jalap may be increased Lu 
Jia.il a idraenm ojt upwards. ’ • 

CATAPLASMS. AND. SINAPISMS.. 

C ATAPLASMS, possess few or no virtues superior to a poultice, 
which mav oe so made,, as, in mos cases, to .-supply .their place. 
They are chiefly intended either to act a, discutiems, or to promote 
suppuration; and as they may be of service^ in some cases, wo tm.. 
give a specimen of;eat h kind. 

Discutieni Cataplasm. 

Take of barley-meal, six ounces; fresh hemlock leaves, bruised, 
two ounces; vinegar, a sufficient quantity. Boil the meal and hem¬ 
lock in the vinegar for a little, arid then add two drachms of tne su¬ 
gar of lead.. 

Bipening Cataplasm. 

Take of white lily, root, tour ounces; fat figs and raw onions, 
bruised, of each one ounce; yelloyv bassilicuni o.ip.tinent, tv»o oun¬ 
ces , gun; ga.Ibanum, half an ounce; linseed meal, as much as ne-^ 
cessurv. Boil the ioojs along with the figs in a sufficient quantity o* 
water; then bruise and add to them the other ingiedienls so as to 
form the whole, into a soft cataplasm. The gal bun uni must be pre¬ 
viously dissolved with the yolk of an egg. 

Where it is necessary to promote suppuration, this cataplasm may 
be used by those who chnse lo be at the troubleand ex pence pi mak¬ 
ing it. For my part, I have never, found any application more pro¬ 
per for this purpose than a poultice of bread and milk, with a suffi¬ 
cient quantity of either boiled or raw onion in it, and softened with 
Q.l q r fresh butter,_ 

Sinapisms. 

Sinapisms arc employed to recal the blood and spirits to a weak 
part, as in the palsy and atrophy. They are also of service in deep- 
seated pains, as the sciatica, &c. When the gout seizes the head or the 
stem q , they are applied to the feet to bring the disorder, to these 
parts. If hey- are likewise applied to the patient’s soles m.tfrefow 
state of fevers. They should not be suffered to lie on, however, tiU 
they have.raised blisters, but tiil the parts become red, and will con¬ 
tinue so when pressed with the finger. 

The sinapism is.onlv a pouf ice made with vinegar instead of milk, 
and rendered \yann, and stimulating by the addition of mustard, horse- 
radisl), or garlic. 

The common, sinapism is made by taking crumb of bread an:] 
mustapd-sqed,in powder, of each equal quantities; strong vinegar, 
as much as is sufficient, and mixing them so as to make a.poultice. 

When sinapisms of a more stimulating nature are wanted, a little 
fyruisgd garlic may me added to , the-abo ve. 


t roTri> 
S-cici 


( 407 } 


C L Y S T E R S, 

^THHIS class of medicines is of more importance than is generally. 
JL imagined. Clysters se,rve not only to evacuate the contents of ' 
the belly, bur also 19 convey very active. jnedicioes into ihe system, 
opium, for example, may be administered in this way when it wifi 
not sit upon the stomach, and also in larger doses than at auv time 
it can be taken by the ipouth, The Peruvian bark may likewise be, 
with good effect, administered in form of clyster to persons who can¬ 
not take it by the mouth. 

A simple clyster can seldom do hurt, and there are many cases 
where it may do much good. A clyster even of warm water, by 
serving as a fomentation to fhe parts, may be of considerable service 
in ndamma,,lions of the bladder, and the lower intestines, &c. 

Some substances, as the smoke ot tobacco, may be thrown into 
the bowels in this way, which cannot by any other means whatever. 
Tins may easily be effected by means of a pair of hand-bellows, 
with an apparatus ffttecl to, them for that, purpose. 

Nor is the use of clysters confined to.medic ines. Aliment mnv 
also be conveyed in this way. Persons unable to swallow, have 
been, lor a considerable time, supported by cly sters. 

Emollient. Clyster. 

Take of linseed tea and new milk, each six ounces. Mix item. 

If fifty or sixty drops of laudanum be added to this, it will sup¬ 
ply the place of the Anodyne Ciytaer, 

Laxative Clyster. 

Take of milk and water each six ounces; sweet oil or fresh but¬ 
ter, and brown sugar, of each,two ounces. Mix them. 

If an ounce of Glauber's salt, or two table spoonfuls eff common 
salt, be added to this, it will be tne Purging Clyster, 

Carminative Clyster. 

Take of camomile flowers, an ounce; anise-seed ;, Ldf ounce. 
Bod in a pint and a half of water to one pint. 

In hysteric and hypochondriac complaints this may be administer¬ 
ed instead- of the ia:ud CiysUr, the smell of which i.s so disagreea : 
ble to most patients. 

Qily Clyster . 

To four ounces of the infusion of camomile flowers, add an equal 
quantity of Florence oil. 

This clyster is beneficial in bringing off the small worms lodged 
in the lower parts of the alimentary canal When given to children 
the quantity must be.proportionally lessened, 

Starch Clyster. 

Take jelly of starch, four ounces; linseed oh, half an ounce. 
Liquify the jelly over a gentle fire, and then mix in the oil. 

the dysentery or bloody flux, this clyster may be administered 

(Tier 


408 


APPENDIX; 


after every loose stool, to heal ihe ulcerated intestines and blunt the 
sharpness of corroding humours. Forty or fifty drops of laudanum, 
may be added; in which case, it will generally supply the place 
of the Astringent Clyster. 

Turpentine Clyster . 

Take of common decoction, ten ounces; Venice turpentine, dis¬ 
solved with the yolk of an egg, half an ounce; florence oil, one 
ounce. Mix them. 

This diuretic clyster is proper in obstructions of the urinary pas¬ 
sages, anu in coliky complaints proceeding from gravel. 

Vinegar Clyster . 

This clyster is made by mixing three ounces of vinegar with five 
«pf water-gruel. 

It answers all the purposes of a common clyster, with the pecu¬ 
liar advantage of being proper either in inflammatory or putrid dis¬ 
orders, especially in the latter. 

tgj* We think it unnecessary to give more examples of this class 
of medicines, as ingredients adapted to any particular intention may 
be occasionally added to one or other of tiie above forms. 

COLLYRIA, cr EYE-WATERS, 


x? YE-WATERS have been multiplied without number, almost 
t.'j every person pretending to be possessed of some secret prepa¬ 
ration for the cure of sore eyes; I have examined many of them, 
and find that they are pretty much alike, the basis of. most of them 
fcting either alum, vitriol or lead. Their effects evidently are, to 
brace and restore the tone of the parts: hence they are principally 
of service in,slight inflammations; and in that relaxed stale of the 
parts which is induced by obstinate ones. 

Camphor is commonly added to these compositions ; but as it sel¬ 
dom incorporates properly with the water, it can be of little use. 
Boles and other earthy substances, as they do not dissolve in water, 
are likewise unfit for this purpose. 


Qollynum of Alum. 

Take of alum, half a drachm; agitate it well together with the 


white of one egg. 


This is the Coliyrium of Riverius. It is used in inflammation of 
the eyes, to allay heat, and restrain the flux of humours. It must 
be spread upon linen, and applied to the eyes ; but. should not be 


kept on above three or four hours at a time 


Vitriolic Coliyrium . 

Take of white vitriol,, half a drachm; rosewater, six ounces. 
X)is«o!\e the vitriol in the water, and filter the liquor 

This, though simple, is perhaps, equal in virtue to most of the 
celebrated ccilyna. It is .an useful application in weak, watery,and 
inflamed eyes. Though the slighter inflammations will generally, 
yield U} it, ret in iiio.se ot a more obstinate nature the assistance of 
"bleeding and blistering pill often be necessary. When 


CONFECTIONS. W 

When a strong astringent is judged proper, a double or triple 
quant ty of tiie vi nol may be used I nave seen a solution of loaf 
times the strength of the above used with manitesi advantage. 

Collyrium of Lead, 

Take sugar of lead, ana crude sal amoniac, of each four grains, 
"Dissolve them in eight ounces of common water. 

Forty or fifty drops ot laudanum r£ay be occasionally added to this 
colly rium. 

Those who chuse may substitute instead of this the collyrium 
of lead recommended by Goulard ; which is made by putting twenty" 
five drops of his Extract of Lead to eight ounces of water, and add¬ 
ing a tea-spoonful of brandy. 

Indeed, common water and brandy, without any other addition,, 
will in many cases an wer very w T ell as a collyrium. An ounce of 
the latter may be added to five or six ounces of the former; and the 
eyes, if weak, bathed with it night and morning*. 

CONFECTIONS. 


C CONFECTIONS containing above sixty ingredients are still to 
> be found in some of the most reformed dispensatories. As 
most of their intentions, however, may be more certainly, and as 
effectually answered by a few glasses of wine or grains of opium. 
We shall "pass over this class of medicine very slightly. 

Japonic Confection . 

Take Japan earth, three ounces; tormentil root, nutmeg, oliba- 
mum, of each two ounces ; opium dissolved in a sufficient quantity 
of Lisbon wine, a drachm and a half; simple syrup and conserve of 
roses, of eacli fourteen ounces. Mix and make them into an elec¬ 
tuary 

This supplies the place of the Diascordium. 

The close of this electuary is from a scruple to a drachm. 

CONSERVES and PRESERVES. 

E VERY Apothecary's shop was formerly so full of these prepa- 
t rations, that it might have passed for a confectioner’s ware¬ 
house. They possess very few medicinal properties, and may rather 
be classed among sweetmeats than medicines. They are sometimes, 
however, of use, for reducing into boluses or pills some of the more 
ponderous powders, as the preparations of iron, mercury, and tin. . 

Conserves are compositions of fresh vegetables and sugar, beaten 
together into an uniform mass. In making these preparations, the 
leaves of vegetables must be freed from their stocks the flowers 
from their cups, and the yellow part of orange-peel taken off with a. 
rasp. They are then to be pounded in a marble mortar, with a< 
wooden pestle, into a smooth mass; after which thrice their weight 
of fine sugar is commonly added by degrees, and the beating conti¬ 
nued till they are uniformly mixed; but the conserve will be better 
if only twice its weight of sugar bo added. Those. 





10 


A P P E N D I 


a* 

X.%, c 


Those who prepare larg-e quantities of conserve-plrnerallyreelacC 
vegetables to a pulp by the'means of a miil, ahd'afterwarcls beat 
:hem up with the sugar. 

'Conserve of Red Roses. 

Tahe a pound of red rose buds, cleared of their heels ;• beat them 
.veil in ahr.orfar, and, adding by degrees Uvo pounds of double-re¬ 
fined sugar, in powder, make a conserve. 

After the rathe manner are prepared the conserves of Orange-peel, 
rosemary Cowers, sea-wormwood, of the leaves of'wood-sorrel, &c. 

The conserve of roses is one of the most 'agreeable and useful 
preparations belonging to this class. A drachm dr two of it, dissolv¬ 
ed ia warm fiiil'c, is ordered to be gived as a gentle restiingent in 
weakness of the stomach, and likewise in phthisical coughs, and 
spitting of blood. To have any considerable effects, however, it 
must-be taken in larger quantities. 

Conserve of Sloes. 

Tbi's may be made by boiling the sloes gently in water, being care* 
fid to take them out before they burst; afterwards expressing the 
juice, and beating it up with three times its weight of fine sugar. 

in. relaxation of the uvula and glands of the throat, this makes an 
excellent gargle, and may be used at discretion. 

/Vo ter res are made by steeping or boiling fresh vegetables first in 
water, and afterwards in syrup, or a solution of sugar. T he subject 
is either preserved moist in the syrup, o-r taken cut and dried, that 
the sugar may candy upon it. The last is the most useful method. 

Candied Orange-Peel- 

c> 

Soak Sevi.deorange-peel in several waters, till it loses its bitterness; 
then boii it in a solution of double-refined sugar in water, till it be¬ 
comes tender and transparent. 

Candied lemon-peel is prepared in the same manner. 

It is needless to add more of these preparations, as they belong 
rather to the art of the confectioner than that of the apothecary. 

DECOCTIONS. 


ATER readily extracts the gummy and saline parts of vegeta¬ 


bles; and though its action is chiefly confined to these, y et 
the resinous and oily being intimately blended with the gummy and 
saline, are in great part taken up along with them. Hence watery 
decoctions and infusions of vegetables, constitute a large, and not 
ur. useful, class of medicines. Although most vegetables \icid their 
virtues to water, as well by infusion as decoction, yet the latter is 
often necessary, as it saves tune, and does in a tew minutes what 
tr.e other would require hours, and sometimes days, to effect. 

Tiie medicines of this class are all intended for immediate use. 

Decoction of Altiuec. 

Take of the roots of marchmallows, moderately dried, three 
ounces; raisins of the sun, one ounce; water three pints. 

Boil 


D E COCTIONS. 


4 12 


. ... ■ l ’ ‘ 

the Ingredients in the wafer till one third of It Is consumed ; 
afterwards strain jtho decoction and let it stand for some time to set-, 
tie. If the roots he thoroughly dried, they must be boiled till ones 
half the water be consumed., 

In coughs, and sharp deductions upon the lungs, this decoctioiiL 
may be used for ordinary drink. 

• The Common Decoction . 


Take of camomile flowers, one ounce; elder Towers, and sweet 
fennel seeds, of each half an ounce; water,, two quarts. Boil them 
for a little, and then strain the decoction. 

A medicine equally good may be prepared by infusing the ingre¬ 
dients for some hours in boiling water. 

This decoction is chiefly intended as the basis of clysters, to which 
other ingredients may be occasionally added. It will likewise serve; 
as a common fomentation, spirit of wine or other things being add¬ 
ed in such quantity as the ease may require. 


Decoction of'Logwood, 

Boil three ounces of the shavings, or chips, of logwood, in four 
pints of water, till one half the liquor is wasted. Two or three 
ounces of simple cinnamon water maybe added to this decoction. 

In fluxes of the belly, where the stronger astringents are impro- 
per, a tea-cupful of this decoction may be taken with advantage 
three or four limes a-day. 


Decoction of the Bark . . 

Boil an ounce of the Peruvian bark, grossly powdered, in a pint 
anda half of water to one pint; then strain the decoction. If a tea- 
spoonful of the weak spirit of vitriol be added to this medicine, it 
renders both more agreeable and efficacious. 


Compound Decoction of the Bark . 

Take of Peruvian bark and Virginian snake-root, grossly powder® 
ed, each three drachms. Boil them in a pint of water to one half! 
To the strained liqur add an ounce and a half of aromatic water. 

Sir John Pringle recommends this as a proper medicine towards 
the decline of malignant fevers, when the pulse is low, the voice 
weak, and the head affected with a stupor but with little delirium'. 

The dose is four spoonfuls every fourth or sixth hour. 

Decoction of Sarsaparilla . 

Take of fresh sarsaparilla root, sliced and bruised, two ounces; 
shavings of guaiacum wood, one ounce. Boil over a slow fire, ill 
three quarts of water, to one; adding towards the end, half an 
ounce of sassafras wood, and three drachms of liquorice. Strain 
the decoction. 

This may either be employed as an assistant to a course of mercu¬ 
rial alteratives, or taken after the mercury has been used for some 
time. It strengthens the stomach, and restores flesh and vigour to 
habits emaciated by the venereal disease. It may also be taken in 
the rheumadim, and. cutaneous disorders proceeding from foulness 

I 3 of 


4-12 


A P P £ N X) I X. 


of the Mood and juice 5 ;. For ail these intentions it is greatly prefer* 
able to the Decoction of Hoods. 

This decoction may be taken, from a pint and a h&lf to two quarts 
in the day. 

The following deco'ct'on is said to he si'milair to that used by Kcn~ 
vedy, in the cure of the venereal disease, and may supply the place 


.>; lasbon diet drink 


Take of sarsaparilla, three ounces; liquorice and mezerion rooty 
of each half an ounce; si ravings' of guaiacum. and sassafras Wood, 
of each one ounce ; crude antimony, powdered, anotmce anil a half. 
Infuse these ingredients in eight pints of boiling water for twenty- 
four hours, then boil them'till one half of the warier is consumed; 
after wards strain the decoction. 

This decoction may be used m the same manner as the pieced- 


mg. 


Decoction of Stneka. 

Take of Seneka rattle-snake root, one ounce; water, a pi si and 
a half. Boil to one pint, and strain. 

This decoction is recommended in the pleurisy, dropsy, rheuma¬ 
tism, and some obstinate disorders of the skin. The dose is two 
ounces, three or lour times a-day, or oftener, if the stomach will bcac 
it. 

JFh lie Decoction , 

Take of the purest chalk, in powder, two ounces ; gum arable, 
half an ounce; waLer, three pints. .Boil to one quart, afid strain 
the decoction. 

This is a proper drink in acute diseases, attended with, or inclift- 
' ing to, a looseness, and where acidities abound in the stomach or 
bowels. It is peculiarly proper for children when afflicted with 
sourness oTthe stomach, and for persons who ace subject to the heart¬ 
burn. It may be sweetened wiih sugar, as it. is used, and two or 
three ounces of simple cinnamon-water added to it. 

An ounce of powdered chalk, mixed with two pints of vVafer, 
will occasionally supply the place of this decoction, and also of the 
chalk julep. y 

draught s;.' f;J : 

HPHTS'ls a proper form for exhibiting such medicines as are in- 
tended to operate immediately, and which do not need to b£ 
frequently repeated, as purges, vomits, and a few others, which are 
to be taken at one dose. Where a medicine requires to be used for 
any length ol time, it is better to make up a larger quantity of it at 
once, which saves both trouble and cxpcnce. 

Anodyne Draught. 

Take of liquid laudanum, twenty-five drops; simple cinnamotl- 
wat.er, an ounce; common syrup, two drachms Mix them. 

In excessive pain, where bleeding is not necessary, and in great 
restlessness, this composing draught may be taken and repeated oc¬ 
casionally. 


'Diuretic 



413 


E X L E C T U A R I E S. ' 


Diuretic Draught , 

Take-of the diuretic salt, two scruples,; syrup of poppies, t wo 
drachms: simple . cinnamon: .wafer, and common water, of each, an 
ounce. 


t is of service in an obstruction or deficiency cf urine..^ 

Purging Draughts 

Take of manna, an ounce ; soluble tartar, or Rochel salt, from, 
three, to four drachms. Dissolve in three ounces of boiling water ; 
to which add Jamaica pepper-water, half an ounce. 

As manna sometimes will not sit uponfhe stomach, an ounce or 
ten drachms of the bitter purging salts, dissolved in four ounces of 
water, may be taken instead of the above. 

Those who cannot take salts, may use the following draught : 

Take of jalap in powder, a scruple; .common water, an ounce ; 
aromatic tincture,, six drachms. Rub the jalap with twice its 
weight of sugar, and add to it the other ingredients. 


This draugb 


Sweating Draughts, 

Take spirit of Mindererus, two ounces; salt of hartshorn, five 
grains; simple cinnamon-water, and syrup of poppies, of each half 
an ounce. Make them into a draught. 

In recent colds and rheumatic complaints, this draught is of ser¬ 
vice. To promote its effects, however, the patient ought to drink 
freely of warm water-gruel, or of some other weak diluting liquor 

a 

Voiniting Draughts . 

Take of ipecacuanha in powder, a scruple; wafer, an oum.'e.; 
simple syrup a drachm. Mix them.—Persons who require a stronger 
vomit, may add to the above half a. gram, or a grain, of emetic tariai. 

Those who do not chuse the powder, may take ten drachms of 
the ipecacuanha wine; or half an ounce of the wipe, and an equal 
quantity of tire syrup of squiiis.. 

ELECT U a R I E S. -- 


E LECTUAPJES are generally composed of the lighter powders, 
mixed wi;h syrup, honey, conserve, or mucilage, into such a 
consistence, that the powders may neither separate by keeping, nor „ 
the mass prove too slid for swallowing. Tney receive chiefly the 
milder alterative medicines, and such as are not, ungrateful to the 
palate. 

Astringent electuaries, and such as have pulps of fruit in them, 
should be prepared only in small quantities; as astringent medicines 
lose their virtues by being kept.in this farmland the pulps of fruits 
are apt to ferment. 

For the extraction of pulps, it will be necessary to boil unripe 
fruits, and ripe ones if they are dried, in a small quantity of water 
till they become soft. The pulp is then to be pressed out through 
a strong hair sieve, or thin cloth, and afterwards boiled to a due con¬ 
sistence, in an earthen vessel, over a gentle fire, taking care to pre- . 
vent the matter from burning by continually stirring it. The pulps 
of fruit that are both ripe and fresh may be pressed out without any 
previous boilings, lenitive 



414 


A P P E ND I& 

Lenjtive Electuary. 

Take of senna, in fine powder, eight ounces; coriander seed, aw, 
so in powder, four ounces; pulp of tamarinds and of French prunes, 
each a pound. Mix the pulps and powders together, and with a 
sufficient quantity of simple syrup, reduce the whole into ah electu¬ 
ary. • 

A tea-spoonful of this electuary, taken two or three times a-day, 
generally proves an agreeable laxative. It likewise serves as a 
convenient vehicle for exhibiting more active medicines, as jalaps, 
scamiu ony, and such like 

This may supply the place of the electuary of Cassia. 

Electuary for the Dysentery ... 

Take of the Japonic confection, two ounces; LocatelliVbalsam, 
one ounce; rhubarb in powder, half an ounce; syrup of ntarsh- 
mallows. enough to make an electuary. 

It is often dangerous in dysenteries to give opiates and astringents, 
without interposing purgatives. The purgative is here joined with ‘ 
these ingredients^ which renders this a very safe and useful medicine 
for the purposes expressed in the title. 

About the bulk of ,a nutmeg should be taken twice or thrice a 
day, as the symptoms and constitution may require. 

Electuary for the Epilepsy . 

Take of Peruvian bark in powder, an ounce ; of powdered tin, 
and wild valerian root, each half an ounce; simple syrup, enough 
to make an electuary. 

Dr. Mead directs a drachm of an electuary similar to this to be 
taken evening and morning, in the epilepsy, for the space of three 
months. It will he proper, however, to discontinue the use of it 
for a few days every now and then. I have added the powdered, 
tin, because the epilepsy often proceeds from worms. 

Electuary for the Gonorrluea .. 

Take of lenitive electuary, three ounces; jalap and rhubarb, in, 
powder, of each two drachms; nitre, half an ounce; simple syrup, 
enough io make an electuary, : 

During th.c inflammation and tension of the urinary passages, 
which accompany a virulent gonorrhea, this cooling laxative may 
be used with advantage. 

The dose is a drachm, or about the bulk of nutmeg, two or three 
limes a-day; more or less, as may be necessary to keep the body gent¬ 
ly open. 

An electuary made of cream of tartar and simple syrup will.occa- 
sionaliy supply the place of this. 

' After the inflammation is gone off, the following electuary may be 
used: '-V 

Take of lenitive electuary, two ounces; balsam of capivi, one 
ounce ; gum ghaiaoum and rhubarb, in powder,-of each two drachms; 
simple syrup, enough to make an electuary. The dose is the same 
as of the preceding, 

Electuary 


Electuary of the Bark . 

lake of Peruvian bark, in powder, three ounces; cascarilla, half 
an ounce ; syrup of ginger, enough to make an electuary. 

In the cure ot obstinate' intermitting fevers, the bark is assisted 
by the cascarilla. In hectic habits, however, it will be better to 
leave out the cascarilla, and put three drachms ol crude sal ammoniac 
in its stead. ‘ ' '' 

Electuary for the Piles. 

lake flowers of sulphur, one ounce; cream of tartar, half an 
ounce; treacle, a sufficient quantity to form an electuary 

A tea-spoonful of this may be taken three or four times a-cjay. 

Electuary for Ike Palsy ,, 

fake of powdered mustard-seed, and conserve of roses, each an 
ounce; syrup of ginger, enough to make an electuary. 

A tea-spoonful of this may be taken three or tour times a-day. 

Electuary for the Rheumatism .. 

Take of conserve of roses, two ounces; cinnabar of antimony, 
levigated, an ounce and a half; gum guaiacum, in powder, an ounce; 
syrup of ginger, a sufficient quantity to make an electuary. 

In obstinate rheumatisms, which are not accompanied with a fever 
a tea-spoohful of this electuary may be taken twice a-day with con¬ 
siderable advantage. 

EMULSION 5. 

<\ . * 

It MULSIONS; besides their use as medicines, are also proper 
jL-J vehicles for certain substances, which could not otherwise be 
conveniently taken in a liquid form. Thus camphor, triturated with 
almonds, readily unites with water into an emulsion. Pure oils, bal¬ 
sams, resins, and other similar substances, are likewise rendered 
miscible with water by the intervention of mucilages. 

Common Emulsion. 

Take of sweet almonds, an ounce; bitter almonds, a drachm; 
water, two pints. 

Let the almonds be blanched,and beat up in amarine mortar adding 
the water by a little and little, soas to make an emulsion; afterwards 
let it be strained, 

Arabic Emulsion. 

This is made in the same manner as the above, adding to the al¬ 
monds, while beating, two ounces and a half of the mucilage of 
gum-arabic. 

Where soft cooiing liquors are necessary, these emulsions may be 
used as ordinary drink. 

Camphorated Emulsion . 

Take of camphor, half a drachm; sweet almonds, half a dozen ; 
white sugar, half an ounce; mint water, eight ounces. Grind the 

camphor 


A P P E N D I X. 



-camphor and almonds well together in a stone mortar, and add hyv. 
degrees the mint water ; then strain the liquor, and dissolve in it they. 
sugar. 

In fevers, and other disorders which require the use of camphor,, 
a table-spoonful of this emulsion may be taken every two or three, 
hours. 

Emulsion of Gum Ammoniac. 

Take of gum ammoniac, two drachms; water, eight ounces. Grind 
The gum with the water poured upon it by little and little, till it is 

dissolved, 

Tlris emulsion is used for attenuating tough, viscid phlegm, and pro¬ 
moting expectoration. In obstinate coughs, two ounces of the sprup 
of poppies may be added to it. The dose is two table spoonfuls three 
01 four times a-day. 

Dili/ Emulsion, 

Take of soft water, six ounces; volatile aromatic spirit, two 
dracr.ms , Florence oil, an ounce; shake them well together, and . 
-add, of simple syrup, half an ounce. 

In recent c o' els and coughs, this emulsion is generally of service; . 
but if the cough proves obstinate, it will succeed better when irtide 
with the paregoric elixir of tre Edinburgh Dispensatory, instead of 
the volatile aromatic spirit. A cable-spoonful of it may be taken 
every two or three hours. 

E X T IT A CTS. 


XTR.ACTS are prepared by boiling the subject in water, and 
I 'a .evaporating the strained decoction to a due consistence. By- 
tins process some of the more active parts of plants are.freed from 
the useless, indissoluble earthy matter, which makes the larger share 
of their bulk. Water, however, is not the only .menstruum used in 
the preparation of extracts•; sometimes it is joined,with spirits, and* 
at other times rectified spirit alone is.employed for. that purpose. 

Extracts are, prepared from a variety, of different drugs, as'the 
bark, gentian, jalap, &c.: but, as they require a troublesome and te¬ 
dious operation, it. will be move convenient for a private practition¬ 
er to purchase what he needs of them from a professed druggist, 
than to prepare them himself Such of them as are generally used 
arc inserted in our list of such drugs and medicines as are to be kept 
for private practice. 


V 

JL. 


O M E N T A X,I Q N S. 


FATIGNCare generally intended either to ease pain, 
JE by taking off tension and spasm ; or to brace and restore the 
tone and vigour of those parts to which they are applied. The first 
of these intentions may generally be answered by warm water, and 
the second by cold. Certain substances, however, are usually added 
to water with a view to heighten its effects, as anodynes aromatic: 

We. shall there subjoin a few of'the most useful 

medicated 


astringents, &c 


Tnedicafed fomentations, that people may have it in their power to 
make use of them if they chuse. 

Anodyne Fomentation. * 

Take of white poppy-heads, two ounces; elder flowers, half an 
ounce; water, three pints. Boil till one pint is evaporated, anti 
strain out the liquor. 

Tliis fomentation, as its iitle expresses, is used for relieving acute 
dpain. 

Aromatic Fomentation. 

Take of Jamaica pepper, half an ounce ; red wine, a pint. Boil 
them for a little, and then strain the liquor. 

This is intended, not only as a topical application for external 
complaints, hut also for relieving the internal parts. Pains.of the 
••Bowels, 'which accompany dysenteries and diarrhoeas, flatulent cho- 
'Iics, uneasiness ot the stomach, and retchings to vomit, are frequent¬ 
ly abated by fomenting the abdomen and region of the stomach with 
the warm liquor. 

Comm on Foment at. ion. 

Take-tops of wormwood and camomile flowers, dried, of each two 
ounces-; w r ater two quarts. After a slight boiling, |>our olf the li¬ 
quor. 

Brandy or spirit of wine may be added to this fomentation, in 
such quantity as the particular circumstances of the case shall re¬ 
quire; but these are not always necessary. 

Emollient Foment at ion . 

This is the same as the common decoction. 

Strengthening Fomentation. 

Take of oak bark, one ounce; granate pee!, half an ounce ; alum* 
two drachms; smith’s forge water, three pints. Boil the wat^r 
with the bark and peel to the consumption of one-third; then strain 
the remaining decoction and dissolve alum in it. 

This astringent liquor is employed as an external fomentation to 
weak parts; it may also be used internally. 

GARGLES. 


H OWEVER trifling this class of medicines may appear, they 
are by no means without their use. They seldom indeed cure 
diseases, but they often alleviate very disagreeable symptoms; as 
parchedness of the mouth, foulness of the tongue and fauces, &c. 
they are peculiarly useful in fevers and sore throats. In the latter, 
a gargle wall sometimes remove the disorder ; and in the former tew 
things are more refreshing or agreeable to the patient, than to have 
his mouth frequently washed with some solt detergent gargle. 

One advantage ot these medicine is, that they are easily prepared. 
A little barley water and honey may be had any where; and if to 
these be added as much vinegar as will give them an agreeable sharp¬ 
ness, thev will make a very useful gargle for softening and cleansing 
Che mouth, " ~ Gargles 


wo- 


Gargles have the best effect when injcctc-d with a syiinge. 

Attenuating Gargle, • x - 

Take of water, six ounces; honey, one ounce; nitre, a drachm 
ahd a half. Mix them. 

Th is cooling gargle may be used either in the inflammatory quin- 
se\, or in fevers, for cleaning the tongue and fauces. 

Common Gai‘gle. 

Take of rose-water, six ounces; syrup of clove July-flowers, 
half an ounce; spirit of vitriol, a sufficient quantity to give it an agree¬ 
able sharpness. Mix them. 

This gargle, besides cleansing the tongue and fauces, acts as a 
antic repellent, and will sometimes remove a slight quinsey. 

Detergent Gargle . 

Take of the emollient gargle, a pint; tincture of myrrh, an ounce; 
honey, two ounces. Mix them. . r 

When exulcerations require to be cleansed, or the excretion o. 
tough Viscid saliva promoted, this gargle will be of service. 

Emollient Gargle . .. . / • 

Take an ounce of marshmallow roots, and two or three figs; boil 
them in a quart of water till near one half of it be consumed; then 
strain-out the liquor. . , , , 'gg j 

If an ounce of honey, and half an ounce of spirit -of sal-ammoniac, 
be added to the above, it will then be an exceeding good attenuating 
gargle. 

This gargle is beneficial in fevers, where the tongue and fauces aie 
rough and parched, to soften these parts, and promote the discharge 

of saliva. 

The learned and accurate Sir John Pringle observes, that in the 
inflammatory quinsey, or strangulation of the fauces, little benefit 
arises from thecomvnon gargles ; that such as are of an acid nature do 
moreharm than good, by contracting the emu net os ies of thesalivaanc 4 
mucus, and thickening those humours; that a decoction of figs in 
milk and water has a contrary effect, especially if some sal-ammo¬ 
niac be added; by which the saliva is made thinner, and the glands 
brought to secrete more freely ; a circumstance always conducive to 
the cure. 


infusion s. 

T VEGETABLES yield nearly the same properties to water bv 
v infusion as by decoction; and though they may require a long¬ 
er time to give out their virtues in this way, yet it has several advan¬ 
tages over the other; since boiling is found to dissipate the finer 
parts of many bitter and aromatic substances, without more fully 
extracting their medicinal principles 

1 he author o* the New Dispensatory observes, that even from 
those vegetables which are weak in virtue, rich infusions may be ob¬ 
tained, by returning the liquor upon fresh quantities of the subject, 

ihe 


'INFUSIONS, *1? 

if * ’’ • • s ‘ ' ’. - # ■'* sF « ‘ . \ 

'*he f-'aler loading itself more and more with the active parts; and 
that these loaded infusions are applicable, to. valuable purposes in 
m ‘divine, as they contain in a-small compass the drier, more subtle, 
and active principles of vegetables, in a form readily miscible with, 
the fluids of the human body. 

. • . , Bitter Infusion. 

! Take tops of the lesser centaury and camomile flowers, of each 
half an ounce; yellow rind of lemon ami orange peel, carefully freed 
•rom the inner white part, of each two. drachms. Cut them in small 
pieces, and infuse them in a quart of boiling water. 

For indigestion, weakness of the stcmach, or want of appetite, 
a tea-cupful of this infusion may be taken twice or thrice a day. 

Infusion of the Bark. 

Tq an ounce of the bark, in powder, add four or five table- spoon¬ 
fuls of brandy, and a pint of boiling water. Let them infuse for 
two or three days.. 

This is one of the best preparations of the bark for weak sto¬ 
mach s. In disorders where the corroborating virtues of that medi¬ 
cine are required, a tea-cupful of it may be taken two or three times 
a-day. - : ^ f , * 

^ , . InfUs ion cf Cardans . .. _ . 

v Infuse an oiince of the dried leaves of the carduus benediptus, or 
blessed thistle, in a pint of common water, for six hours, without 
heat; then biter the liquor through paper. 

This light infusion may be given with great benefit, in weakness 
of the stomach, where the common bitters do not. agree. .. It may be 
’flavoured at pleasure with cinnamon, or other aromatic materials. 

... . , Infusion of Linseed. 

Take of linseed, two spoonfuls ; liquorice roof, sliced, half arj 
punce; boiling water, three pints. Let them tand to infuse by the 
fire for some hours, and then strain off the liquor. 

If an ounce of the leaves of colt’s foot be added to these ingre¬ 
dients, it will then be the Pectoral Infusion. Both these are emolli¬ 
ent mucilaginous liquors, and may be taken with advantage as ordi¬ 
nary drink in difficulty of making water; and in coughs and other 

complaints of the breast. 

1 - •>. - P , 

v . . Infusion of Boses „ 

Take of red rose?, dried, half ar. ounce ; boiling water, a quart; 
vitriolic acid, commonly'' called oil of vitriol, half a drachm ; loaf 
sugar, an ounce 

Infuse the roses fai the water for four hours, in an ung’azcd earth¬ 
en vessel; afterwards pour in the acid, and having strained the li¬ 
quor, add to it the sugar. 

In an excessive flow of the menses, vomiting of blood, and other 
haemorrhages, a tea-cupful of this gently astringent infusion may be 
taken every three or four hours It likewise makes an exceeding 
good gargle. 

As the quantity cf roses used here can have little or no effect, an 

K 3 equally 


'420 


APPEND! X, 


equally valuable medicine may be prepared by mixing the acid 
water without infusion. . 

* Infusion of Tamarinds and Soma. 

Take of tamarinds, fine ounce ; senna> and chrystais of tartar, 
each two dmcmns. Let these ingredients be infused four or five 
hours in a pint of boiling water; afterwards-let the liquor be strain¬ 
ed, ami an ounce or two of the aromatic tincture added to it. Per¬ 
sons who are easily purged may leave out either the tamarinds or 
the crystals of tartar. 

This is an agreeable cooling purge. A tca-cupful may be given, 
/every half hour till it operates. 

This supplies the place of the Decoction' of Tamarinds and Senna. 

Spanish Infusion . 

Take of Spanish juice, cut into small pieces,' an ounce ; salt of 
tartar three drachms. Infuse in a quart of boiling water for a night. 
To the strained liquor aud an ounce and an half of the syrup of pop¬ 
pies. 

In recent colds, cdughs, and obstructions of the Bre&sf, a tea-cup¬ 
ful of this infusion may be taken three or four times a day. 

■Infusion for the Palsey. 

Take of horse-radish root sh&ved, mustard-seed bruised, bach four 
ounces; outer rind of orange-peel, one ounce. Infuse them in two 
quarts of boiling water, in a close vessel fdr fwent) -four hours. 

In paralytic, complaints, a tea-cupful of this warm stimulating 
medicine may be taken three or four times a day. It excites the ac¬ 
tion of ’the solids, proves diuretic, and, if the patient be kept warm, 
promote., pers pi ration . 

If two or three ounces of the dried leaves of marsh-trefoil be used 
.instead of the mustard, it will'make the Antiscorbutic infusion. 

'J U L E P S. 

Tf TIE basis of juleps is generally common water, or some simple 
JL distilled water, with one-third or one-fourth its quantity of 
distilled spiritoils water, and as much sugar or syrup as is sufficient 
to render the mixture agreeable. This is sharpened with vegetable 
or mineral acids, or impregnated with other medicines suitable to 
the intention. 

Camphorated Julep. 

Take of camphor, one drachm; rectified spirit of wine, ten drops* 
double refined sugar,, half an ounce; boiling distilled water, one 
pint Rub the camphor first with the spirit of wine, then with the - 
sugar; lastly, add the water by degrees, and strain the liquor ; 

In hysterical and other complaints where camphor is proper, this 
julep may be taken in the dose of a spoonful or two as often as the 
stomach will bear it. 

Cordial Julep. 

Take of simple cinnamon, water, four ounces; Jamaica pepper- 
water, two ounces; volatile aromatic spirit, and compound spirit of 

lavender. 


424- 


M; I X T U R E &■; 

j * 

Mkthem° f cach two dr3chms 5 *ynij> of orange-peel, an ounce. 

This is given in the dose of (wo spoonfuls three or four times a 

oav, in disorders accompanied with great weakness and depression 
Qi spirits. ■ i 

Expectorating Julep . , 

Take of the -emulsion of gum ammoniac, six ounces;, syrup of 4 
squills, two ounces. Mix them. t 

In -coughs, asthmas, anj .obstructions of the. breast, two table-, 
spoonfuls of ,th:$.julep may be taken every three or four hours. 

Musk Julep ... v 

Rub half a drachm of musk well together with half an ounce of 
sugar, and add to it gradually, of simple cinnamon and peppermint 
water, each two ounces ; of the volatile aromatic spirit, two drachms. 

In the low state of nervous fevers, hiccupping, convulsions, afid 1 
other spasmodic affections, two. table-spoonfuls or this julep may 
be taken every two or three hours. 

Saline Julep:. , 

Dissolve two drachms.of salt of tartar in three ounces of fresh 
lemon juice, strained ; when the effervescence is over, add, of mint- 
water, and common water, each two ounces ; of simple syrup, one 
ounce. 

This removes sickness at the stomach, relievos vomiting, promotes 
perspiration, and may be of some service in fevers, especially of the 
inflammatory kind. 

Vomiting Julep . - 

Dissolve four grains o; emetic tartar in eight ounces of water, 
and add to it half an ounce of the syrup of clove July-flowers. 

In the beginning of fevers, where there is no topical inflammation, 
this julep may be given in the dose of one table-spoonful every quar¬ 
ter of an hour till it operates. Antimonial voipits serve not only to 
evacuate the contents of the stomach, but likewise to promote the . 
different excretions. Hence they are found in fevers to have nearly . 
the same effect as Dr: James’s Powder. 


M I X T U R E S. 


A . MIXTURE differs from a julep in tbis respect, that it re- 
ceives into its composition not only salts, extracts and other 
substances dissoluble in water, but also earths, powder,, and such . 
substances as cannot be dissolved. A mixture is seldom either an 
elegant or agreeable medicine. It is nevertheless necessary. Many 
persons can take a mixture, who are not able to swallow a bolus or 
an.electuary: besides,.there are medicines which act, better in this 
than in any other form. . 

Astringent Mixture . 

Take simple cinnamon water and common water, of each three' 
ounces; spiritous cinnamon water, an ounce and a half; Japonic 
confection, half an ounce. Mix them. 

In ,, 






A.or» 


A PP.EN D I X, 


In dysenteries which are not of long standing, after the necessary 
evacuations, a spoonful or two of this mixture may be taken every 

four hours, interposing every second or third.day a dose of rhubarb. 

• '■'** • . - ' v ‘ ‘ * *' 

Dieurelic Mixture . 

Take of mint-water, five ounces; vinegar of squills, six drachms \ 
sweet spirit of nitre, half an ounce j syrup of ginger, an ounce and 
an half. Mix them. 

In obstructions of the urinary passages, two spoonfuls of this mix¬ 
ture may be taken Mvice or thrive a day. 

; . • .A *.*.■' 4 * . . •* " ‘ - 

Laxative absorbent Mixture. 

Rub one drachm of magnesia alia in a mortar with fen or twelve 
gra ns of the best Turkev rhubarb, and add to them three ounces 01, 
com non waiter ; simple cinnamon water, and syrup of sugar, of eaci^ 
on i nti.ce. 

As most diseases of infants are accompanied with, acidities, this 
ires: 're ma\ either be given with a view to correct these, or to open ^ 
the oociy. A table-spoonful may be taken for a close, and repeated 
t'tVsev time-, a day. To a very young child iialf a spoonful will be 

sufficient. 

W.cii the mixture is intended to purge, the dose may either be 
5 nr eased, or the qpant.itv of rhubarb d,6wbled. 

This one of the most generally useful medicines for children 
with which I aim acquainted. 

Saline Mixture. 

Dissolve a drachm of the -ait of iartar in four ounces of boiling 
water; and when cold, drop into it spirit of vitriol till the efferves- • 
cence (teases; then add of peppermint-water, two ounces, simple 
syrup, one ounce. 

Wh ere fresh lemons cannot be had, this mixture may occasionally 
supply the place of the saline j ulep ' ’* " - 

Squill Mixture. 

Take of simple cinnamon-water, five ounces; vinegar of squills, 
one unce; syrup cf marshmallows, an ounce and a half. Mix 
them. 

This mixture, by promoting expectoration, and the secretion of 
urine, proves serviceable in asthmatic and dropsical habits. A table 
spoonful'of. it may be taken frequently. 


OINTMENTS. LINIMENTS and CERATES. 


”\TOT WITHSTANDING the extravagant encomiums which. 
IS have been bestowed on different preparations of this kind, 
•with regard to their efficacy in the cure of wounds, sores, &c. if is, 
Ibeyond a doubt, that the most proper application to a green Wound 
is dry lint. But though ointments do not heal Wounds and sores, 
yet they serve to defend them from the external. air, and to retain 
such substances as may be;necessary for drying, deterging, de- 
ciroying proud flesh, and such like. For these purposes, however, 

it 




• M 


O I JJ X M E N T Si &c. 


AQ'> 




it will be sufficient to insert only a few of the most simple forms, as 
tlgrecUenis oi' a more active nature can occasionally be added tQ. 
item. 

Yellow Basilicum Ointment. 

Take of yellow wax, white resin, and frankincense, each a quar¬ 
ter of a pound; melt them together over a gentle fire; then add of 
hogs’ lard prepared, one pound. Strain, the ointment while warm. 

Tills ointment-is employed for cleansing and healing wounds and, 
ulcers. 

Ointment of Calamine. 

Take of olive oil, a pint and a half; white wax, apd calamine, 
stone levigated, of each half a pound* Let the calamine stone, re¬ 
duced into a fine powder, be rubbed with some part of the oil, and 
afterwards added to the rest of the oil and wax previous!y Trie 1 ted 
together, continually stirring them till quite cold. 

This ointment, which, is commonly known by the nanofe of Tur* 
ner’s Cerate, is an exceeding good application in burns and excoria¬ 
tions from whatever cause. 

Emollient Ointment . 

Take of palm oil, two pounds; olive oil, a pint and a half; yel-i 
low wax, half a pound ; Venice turpentine, a quarter of a pound. 
Melt the wax in the oils over a gentle fire ; then mix in the turpen¬ 
tine, and strain the ointment. 

This supplies the place of Alth.x Ointment. It may be used for 
annointing inflamed parts, <Lo. 

Eye Ointment . 

Take of hogs’ lard prepared, four ounces; white wax, two 
drachms; tutty prepared, one ounce ; melt the wax with the lard 
over a gentle fire, and then sprinkle in the tuttv, continually stirring 
them till the ointment is cold. 

This ointment will be more efficacious, and of a better consistence, 

if two or three drachms of camphor be rubbed up with a little oil, 

&nd intimately mixed with it. 

* 

Another. 

Take of camphor, and calamine stone levigated, each six drachms; 
Verdegrise well prepared, twodraehms; bogc' lard, and mutton suet, 
prepared, of each two ounces. Rub the camphor well with the 
powder; afterwards mix in the lard and suet, continuing the iriture 
till they be perfectly united. ' 

' This ointment has been long in esteem for diseases of the eyes. It 
ought, however, to be used with caution, when the eyes are much 
inflamed or very tender 

Issue Ointment . ... 

Mix half an ounce of Spanish flies, finely powdered, in six ounces 
of yellow’ basilicum ointment. 

' This ointment is chiefly intended for dressing blisters, in order to 
keep them ape9 during pleasure, 

0 intment 





*24- 


A P P E N D I X. 

Ointment of Lead. ■ 

Take of olive oil half a pint; white wax, two ounces; sugar of 
lead, three drachms. Lpt the sugar of lead, reduced into a fine 
powder, he rubbed up with some part of the oil, and afterwards 
added to the other, ingredients, previously melted together, conti¬ 
nually stirring them till quite cold. 

This, cooling and gently astringent ointment maybe used in all 
cases where the intention is to dry and skin over the part, as in scald¬ 
ing, &c. 

Mercurial Ointments 

Ta]te or quicksilver, two ounces; hogs* lard, three ounces; mut-. 
“on suet, one ounce. Rub the quicksilver with an ounce of the 
hogs’ lard, in a warm mortar, till the globules be perfectly extinguish¬ 
ed; then, rub it up with the rest of the lard and suet previously 
inched together. 

The principal intention of this ointment is to convey mercury in¬ 
to the body by being rubbed upon the skin.. 

Ointment of Sulphur. 

Take of hogs’ lard prepared, four ounces ; flowers of sulphur, 
an ounce and an half: crude sal... ammoniac, two drachms; essence 
of lemon, ten.cr twelve drops. Make them into an ointment. 

This ointment, rubbed upon the parts affected, will generally 
eurethe itch. It is both the safest and best application for that pur¬ 
pose, and, when made in this way, has no disagreeable smell. 

White Ointment . 

Take of olive oii, one pint; white wax and spermaceti, of each 
three ounces. Melt: them with a gentle heat, and keep them con¬ 
stantly and briskiv stirring together, till quite cold. 

If t wo drachms of camphor, previously'rubbed with a small quan¬ 
tify of oi ! , be added to the above, it will make the White. Camphorat - 
id Ointment. 

Liniment Ointment. 

Take equal parts of Florence oil, or fresh drawn linseed oil, and 
lime-water; shake them well together in a wide mouthed bottle, so 
as <o form. a 1 inirncnt r 

This is found to be an exceeding proper application for recent 
scalds or burns. It may either be spread upon a cloth, or the parts 
ahected may be aiinointed with it twice or thrice a-day. 

White Liniment . 

This is made in the same manner as the white ointment, two- 
flvr.ds of the wax being lett out 

I his liniment may be applied in, cases of excoriation,where on 
account of the largeness of the surface, the ointments with, lead or , 
calamine might, be improper, 

IJnimenifor, the Piles. • 

Take of emollient ointment, two ounces; liquid laudanum, half 
an ounce. Mix these ingredients with. the yolk, of an egg, and 
w ork them well together, ' Volatile 


P I L 1 S. 42,5 

Volatile Liniment. 

Take of Florence oil, an ounce; spirit of hartshorn, half an 
!)unce. Shake them together. 

This liniment, made with equal parts cf the spirit and oil. will be 
more efficacious, where the patients skin is able to bear it. 

Sir John Pringle observes, that in the inflammatory qtiinsey, a piece 
of flannel, moistened with this liniment, and applied to the throat, 
to be renewed every four or five hours, is one of the most effic aci¬ 
ous remedied; and that it seldom fails, after bleeding, either to less¬ 
en or carry off the complaint. The truth of this observation I have 
often experienced. 

Camphorated Oil. 

Rub an ounce of camphor, with two ounces of Florence oil, in 
a mortar, till the camphor be entirely dissolved. 

This antispasniodic liniment may be used in obstinate rheumatisms 
and in some other cases accompanied with extreme pain and tensi¬ 
on Of the parts, 

pill s. 

M EDICINES which operate in a small dose, and whdsc disa¬ 
greeable taste, or smell, makes it necessary that they should 
be concealed from the palate, are most commodiously exhibited in 
this form. No medicine, however, that is intended to operate quick¬ 
ly, ought to be made into pills, as they often lie for a considerable 
time on the stomach before they are dissolved, so as to produce any 
effect. 

As the ingredients which enter the composition of pills are gene¬ 
rally so contrived, that one pill of an ordinary size may contain about 
five plains of the compound, in mentioning the dose we shall only 
specify the number of pills to be taken; as one, two, three, &c. 

Composing Pill. 

Take of purified dpi dm, ten grains; Castile soap, half a drachm. 
Beat them together, and form the whole into twenty pills. 

When a quieting draught will not sit upon the stomach, one, two, 
©r three of these pills may be taken, as occasion requires. 

Fcetid Pill . 

Take of assafeetida, half an ounce; simple syrup, as much as is 
Necessary to form it into pills. 

In hysteric complaints,, four or five pills, of an ordinary !>ize, may¬ 
be taken twice or thrice a-day. They may likewise be of service 
to persons afflicted with the asthma. 

When it is necessary, to keep the body open, a proper quantity 
©f rhubarb, aloes, or jalap, may occasionally be added to the above 
mass. 

Hemlock Pill. 

Take any quantity of ine extract of hemlock, and adding to ft 
about a fifth part its weight of the powder of the dried leaves, form 
it into pills of the ordinary size. 


The 







The extract of hemlock may. be taken from one grain to several 
drachms in the day. The best method, however, of useing tjiese 
pills, is to begin with one or two, and to increase the dose grad^* 
ally, as far as the patient can bear them, without any remarkable 
degree of' stupor or giddiness. 

%ierciLrial Pill. . ; •. • ... . 

. *» > \ k . 

Take of purified quicksilver and honey, each half an ounce. Rup 
them together in a mortar, till the globules of mercury are per¬ 
fectly .extinguished ; then add, of Castile soap, two drachms; pow¬ 
dered liquorice, or crumb of bread, a sufficient quantity to give the 
mass a proffer consistence for pills. • . 

When stronger mercurial pills are wanted, the quantity of quick¬ 
silver may be .doubled.,„ . _ .. f p , 

The dose of these pills Is 'different, according to ihe intention 
with which they are given As an alterant, two or three may be ta¬ 
ken daily. To raise a salivation, four or five will be necessary. 

‘Equal parts of fhe above pill and powdered rhubarb made into a 
lfthss, with a sufficient quantity of simple syrup, will make a Afcrru - 
rinl purging PUL , ... 

Mercurial sublimate Pill. 

Dissolve fifteen grains of the corrossive sublimate of mercury in 
two d rich ms of the saturated solution of crude sal ammoniac, and 
‘make it into a paste, in a glass mortar, with a sufficient quantity ot 
the crumb of bread. This mass m’Ust fee formed into one hundred 
and twenty piMC . 

This pill, which is the most agreeable form of exhibiting thesubli- 
male-, has been found efficacious, not only in curing the venereal dis¬ 
ease, but also in killing and expelling worms, alter other powerful 
medicines had failed*. . 

For the venereal disease, four of these pills may be taken twice 
a-day, as an alterant three, and for worms two. 


Plummer .? Pill. 

Take of calomel, or sweet mercurv, and precipitated sulphur ami 
antimony, each three drachms; extract of liquorice, tvvo 'drachms. 
Kub the sulphur and mercury well together: afterwards add the ex¬ 
tract, and, with a sufficient quantity of the mucilage of gurii arabic 
make them into pills. 

This pill has been found a powerful, yet safe, alterative ifr obsti¬ 
nate cutaneous disorders; and has completed a cure after salivation 
had failed. In venereal cases it has likewise produced excellent, ef¬ 
fects. Two or three pills of an ordinary size may be taken night and 
morning, the patient keeping moderately warm, and drinking after 
each doje a draught of decoction of the woods, or of sarsaparilla. 

Purging Pills'; 

Take of succotorine aloes, and Castile soap, each two drachms 
of simple syrup, a sufficient quantity to make tliem into pills. 


3ce a paper on this tubjeA in the Edinburgh Phy£c?.l and Li ter a 


fclffays, by the ingenious Dr, T'hn Gardener, 


Four 




I 5 L AST E-R S. 


427 


* £our or five of these pills will generally prove c sulBcicnt purge. 
For keeping the body gently open, one may be taken nig!!' and morn¬ 
ing. They are reckoned both deobTruent and stomachic', and will 
be found to answer all the purposes ot Dr. Anderson’s pilf', the 
principal ingredient of which is .aloes. 

Where aloetic purges are improper, the following pills may be 
Used: . . . .... .. ... .. 

Take extract ofjalap, and yitriolated tartar, of each two drachms ; 
Syrup of singer* as much as will make them of a proper consistence 
■for pills. . •' ? ...... 

^"itese pills may betaken in the sahie quantify as the above. 

Pill for the Jaundice. , 

Take of Castile soap, succotoriiie aloes, and rhubarb, of each 
one drachm. Make them into pills with a sufficient quantity of sy¬ 
rup or mucilage. 

1 hese pills, as their title expresses are chiefly* Intended for the 
jaundice, which, with the assistance of proper diet, they wilt often 
cure, hive or six of them rimy taken twice, p-day, more or less, as 
is necessary to keep the body open. Tt will be proper, however, 
during their use, to interpose now and then a Vomit of ipecacuanha 
or tartar emetic, 

f : 'A : 

Stomachic Pile. 

Take extract of gentian, two drachms* powdered rhubarb and vf- 
iriolafed tartar, of each one drachm; oil of mint, thirty drops; sim¬ 
ple syrupy c a suffic ient quantity. 

Three or four of these pills may be taken twice a-day, for invigo¬ 
rating the stomach, and keeping the body gently open. 

... 1 .... Squill Pills. . .... 

Take powder of dried squills, a drachm and a half; gum ammoni¬ 
ac, and cardamom seeds, in powder, of each three drachms; simple 
syrup, a sufficient quantity. 

In dropsical and asthmatic complaints, two or three of these pill 1 ? 
may be taken twice, a-clay, or ofierier, if the stomach will bear 
them. 

.• . v 

Strengthening PUL 

Take soft extract of the bark, and salt of steel, cadi a drachm. 
Make into pills. 

In disorders arising from excessive debility, or relaxation of the 
solids', as {he chid) ods, or green sickness, two of these pills may be 
taken three times a-day. 


HASTE R S. 


r 


pi.AST F.RS ought fo be of a different consistence, according fo ‘lie 
JL purposes for which they are intended. Such as are to be appli¬ 
ed to the breasts or stomach ought fo be soft end) ielding; while those 
(designed, for the limbs shriiiM be firm and adhesive. 

I; has been supposed, that plasters might be impregr.a^bd with 

L 3 the 





t'.e virtues of different*vegetables/ by 'bailing the" recent “vegeiaDife 
with the oil employed for the composition of the' 'plaster 1 ; but thk 
treatment 'does' not cormminicafe to the oils any Valuable dualities. 

The calces of* lead boiled with-oils unite with then) into a plaster 
of-a proper/consistence; which "make (he bail's of .Several dther plas* 
lorn. ■ • In- boiling these compositions, a quantity-of hot water must 
be added from time to time to prevent the plaster from burning or 
growing black.' This, however, should be v done with care, lest it 


O 

cause 


the matter to explode. 


Qem'mbn P 

T ake of" common olive oil, six pints j litharge? reducedlo aTTne 
powder, two pounds and a half. Boil the litharge and oil together 
over a gen fie hh re, continually stirring them, and keeping always 
about half a gallon of water in the vessel; 'after they have boiled 
about three hours, a little of the plaster may be taken out and put 
into cold water, to’ try if it be of a proper consistence: when that 
is the cam, the whole' may be suffered to cool, and the water well 
pressed Out (if it with the hands. 

This plaster is generally ‘applied in slight wounds and excoriations 
of the skin. It keeps the part soft and warm, and defends it from 
the air, which is all that is necessary in such cases. Its principal 
usif, however, is to serve as a basis for other plasters. 

Adhesive Plaster . 

Take of the comfcon piaster, haif a bound; of Burgundy pitch, 
atjuavierof a-pound. .Melt them together. 

This piaster is principally used for keeping on other' dressings.. 

A nod \;ne Plaster . 

Melt an ounce of adhesive plaster, and, when it is cooling, mix 
willi it a draci pi of pow dered opium, andthe same quantity of cam¬ 
phor, previously rubbed up with a little oil. 

'I'ids pkster.generally gives ease in acute pains especially of the 


nervous so mi. 


Mist 


enne 


ei\ 


Take of Venice turpentine, six ounces; y el lt>w wax, two ounces; 
Spanish flies in hue ponder, i hi ce ounces; powdered 'mustard, one 
ounce, fried1 1 he ••’ax, and while it is warm, add to it the turpen¬ 
tine, taking care not to evaporate it by too much heat. After the 
turpentine and^vvax are sufficiently incorporated, sprinkle in the pow¬ 
ders continually stirring the mass till it be cold. 

Though this plaster is made in a variety of ways, one seldom 
meets with it of a proper consistence. When compounded with oils 
and other greasy substances, its effects are blunted, and it is apt to 
run ; while pitch and resin render it too hard and very inconveni¬ 
ent 

When the blistering plaster is not at hand, its jdace may. be suppli¬ 
ed by mixing with any soft ointment a sufficient quantity of now- 
dercu fires; or by forming them into’a paste with flour and vinegar. 


PQWDE 



+_+f k-f 


Gum Plaster. 

Take of the common plaster, four pounds ; gum ammoniac ami 
galba num, strained, of each half a pound, ( Melt them together^ 
3 pdadd, of venire turpentine,, six ounces. 

This plaster is used as a digestive, pnd likewise for discussing in¬ 
dolent tumours, ,, 

Merciirial Plaster* . 

Take of common plaster, one pound ; of gum ammoniac, strain* 
cd, half a pound. Melt them, together, and, when cooling, add 
ought ounces of quick-silver, previously extinguished by tnture, with 
three ounces of hog’s. lard, 

Tins plaster is recommended in pains of the limbs arising from a 
venereal cause. Indurations or the. glands, and other .violent tu¬ 
mours, are likewise found sometimes, to yield to. it. 

Stomach Plaster, 

Take of gum plaster, half z. pound; camphorated oil, an ounce 
and a half; black pepper, or capsicum, where it can be had, one 
ounce. . Melt the plaster, and mix with it the oil; then sprinkle in 
the pepper, previously reduced to a fine powder. , 

An ounce dr two of this plaster, spread on soft leather, and appli¬ 
ed iO the region of the stomach, will be of service in flatulencies 
arising from hysteric and hypochondriac affections, A little of the 
expressed oil of mace, or a few drops of (lie essential oil of mint,, 
^nay b6^rubbed upon it before it is applied. . 

r £his may supply the place of the AtMkjsicrie Plaster, 

Wgrju.Plaster . 

Take.of gum plaster, one ounce ; blistering plaster, two drachms,. 
Melt them together over a gentle fire. 

This plaster is useful in the sciatica and other fixed pains of the 
rheumatic kind : it ought, however, to be worn tor .-some time,, and 
to be renewed at least once a week If this is found to blister the 
part, which is sometimes the case, it must be made with, a smaller, 
proportion of the blistering piaster 

Wax Piaster. ■ 

Take of yellow wax, one; pound ; white resin, half a pound; 
mutton suet,, three quarters of a pound. Melt them together. 

This is generally used instead of the Mclilot Planter. It is a pro* 
per application after blisters, and m other cases where.a gentle dU 
gestive is necessary. 

P Q W PER -S. 


rpHlS is one .of the most.simple farms in which medicine ran he 
JL administered. Many medicinal substances, however, caniwvt 
be reduce# into powder, and others arc too disagreeable to be IgV.er 
in this form. 

The lighter powders may be mixed in any agreeable thin liquo.q 





430 


A P P E N D I X. 


as tea or vvatejr gruel. 


The more ponderous will require , a more 
eh lore, a$ syrup, conserve, jell), or honey. 

Gunns, unci other suostanc'es. which are difficult to powder, should 
"be pounded along with ihe drier ones ; but those which are too dry, 
especially aibmatics, ought, to be, sprinkled during . them pulveriztt- 
tion, with a tew drops of any proper water. 

Aromatic powders are to be prepared only in small quantities*®! a. 
time, and kept in glass' vessels' closely stopped Indeed, no pow¬ 
ders oi dit to be exposed to the air of kept Loo long, otherwise then- 
virtues wiil be hi a great measure destroyed. 

st stringent; Powder, 

Take of alum and Japan earth, each two. drachms. Found them., 
together! and divide the whole into ten or twelve doses. 

in ar. in.moderate flow of tl.e mensem, and other haemorrhages, one 
of these powders may be taken every hour, or every half hour, if the. 
♦discharge be violent. 


Powder, of Bole . 


Take of bole armenie, or French -bole, two ounces; cinnamon, 
one ounce, tormeruil rooi an ! gum arable, of* each six drachms,' 


Ions pepper, one drachm. Let all these ingredients be reduced into' 

* * * .. . ,. .,, , . t. y » „ . ^ . i- .. f . * ■ 

a powder. 

This warm, glutinous a'tringenf powder, is given in fluxes, and . 
other disorders vvia re medic ines cf that class are necessary, in the 
close of a scruple, or half a drachm. 

If'a draefm of dpi dun be added, it will make the Powder of Bole 
with Opium,,, which is a medicine of considerable efficacy. It may 
be taken in the same quantity-as the former, but not above twice or 
thrice a-day, 

Carrnlnairee Powder.. 

Take cf coriander-seed, half an ounce ; ginger, one drachm. ; 
nutmegs, half a drachm ; Life sugar, a drachm and a half. Reduce 
them into powder for twelve doses. 

This povv.de»; is employed, for expelling flatulencies arising from 
indigestion, paCJirularly those to which hysteric and bypochon.d:iao. 
pe rso'ns are so. liable, If may likewise be given in small quantities to 
childrenm their iobd, when troubled with gripes. 

Diuretic Powder, 

Take, of gum arable, four ounces; purified nitre, one ounces 
pound them together, and divide ti e whole into tw enty-ibuLdoses, 

During the .first stage of flic venereal disease, one of these cool-’ 
ing powders may be taken three.times a day, with considerable ad¬ 
vantage. 

A row alia Open mg Pozvde?\ 

Take of the best Turkey rhubarb, cinnamon, and- fine sugar, 
<edch two drachms. Let the ingredients lie pounded, add afterwards 
mixed well together. 

When flatulency is accompanied w.ith costiveness, a tea-spoonful 
of this powder may be taken cnee or twice a day, according to cii- 
.c&mq Lances. .. .. Sfinc 



Sal in e Laxative Powder. 

'Take of soluble tartar, and cream of tartar, each one. iirachn*, 
Purified nitre, ball a 'drat dun. Make, them into a powder. 

In feVers, and ether inflammatory disorders, where it is necessa¬ 
ry to keep the body gently open, one of these cooling laxa¬ 
tive powders, may be taken in a little gruel, and repeated occa¬ 
sionally. 

Steel Powder .. 

Take filings of steel, and 'oaf sugar, of ea,c.h two ounces ; gin¬ 
ger, two drachms. Pound them together. 

In obstructions of the mcn-ics, and other cases where steel is pro¬ 
per, a tea-spoonful of this powder may be. taken twice ;i-dav, and 
washed down with a little wine.or water. 

Sudorific Powder. 

Take purified nitre and vitriolateu tartar, of each half an ounce; 
Opium and ipecacuanha, of each- one drachm. Mix the ingredients 
and reduce them to a fine powder. 

' This is generally known by.the name of Dover's Pozvdcr. It is a 
powerful sudorific. In obstinate rheumatisms, and other ea°es where 
it is necessary to excite a copious sweat, this powder may be admi¬ 
nistered in the dose of a scruple ojr half a drachm. Some patients 
will require.two scruples. It ought to be accompanied with the 
plentiful use of some warm diluting liquor. 

Worm Powders. 

Take of tin reduced into a fine powder, an ounce As, th lop's mi¬ 
neral, two drachms. Mix them well together, and divide the whole 
into six doses. 

One of these powders may be taken in a little syrup, honey, or 
treacle, twice a day. After they have been all used, the following 
anthelmintic purge may be proper. 

Buro: inWcrm Powder. 

Take of powdered rhubarb, a scruple ; scammojiy and calo¬ 
mel, of each five grains. Rub them together in a mortar for one 
dose. 

For children, the above doses must be lessened, according to 
their age. 

If the powder of tin be given alone, its dose may be considera¬ 
bly increased. The Sale Dr. Alston gave it to the amount of two 
ounces in three days, and says, when thus administered,. that it 
proved an egregious anthelmintic. He purged his patients both 
before they took the powder, and afterwards. 

Powder for the Tape-Worm. 

. Early in the morning the patient is to take in any liquid, two or 
three drachms, according to his age and constitution, ol the root of 
the male fern reduced into a fine powder. About two hours after¬ 
wards, he is to take of calomel and resin of scammojiy, each ten. 
grains 5 gum gamboge, sis grains. These ingredients must be 
y - ' finely 


finely powdered and given in a little syrup, honey, treacle, or any',.., 
thing that is most agreeable to the patient. He is then to walk; 
gently about, now and then drinking a dish of weal: green tea, til! . ; 
the worm is passed. If the powder of the fern produces nausea, or v 
sickness, it may be removed by sucking the juice of an orange or 
lemon. 

This medicine, which had been long kept a secret abroad, for the . 
cure of the tape-worm, was some time ago purchased by the French 
King, and made public for the benefit of mankind. Not having had 
an opportunity of trying it, I can say nothing from experience con¬ 
cerning its efficacy. It seems, however, from its ingredients, to be 
an active medicine, and ought to be taken with care. The dose, 
here prescribed is sufficient for the strongest patient; it must, there¬ 
fore, be reduced according to the age and constitution. 

S Y R U P S. . ; ll 

QYRUPS were some time ago looked upon asmedicinesof copsidc-? 

O rablc value. They are at present, however, regarded chiefly 
as vehicles for medicines of greater efficacy, and are used for sweet¬ 
ening draughts, juleps, or mixtures ; and reducing the ligher pow¬ 
ders into boluses, pills, and electuaries. As all these purposes may 
be answered by the simple syrup alone, there is little occasion for 
any other ; especially as, they are seldom found but in a state of fer¬ 
mentation ; and as the dose of any rnedjcine given In this form is ve¬ 
ry uncertain. Persons who serve the public must keep whatever; 
their customers call for; but to. the private practitioner nine-tenth^ 
of the svrujys usually kept ip the shops are unnecessary. 

Simple Syrup . 

Is made by dissolving in water, either with or without heat, about 
double its weight of. flr.Q sugar. 

If twenty-five diops of laudanum be added to 3n,ounce of the 
simple syrup, it will supply the place of diacodium, or the syrup 
of poppies, and will be found a move safe and certain medicine. 

The lubricating virtues of the syrpp of marshmallows may like¬ 
wise be supplied, by adding to the common syrup a sufficient quan¬ 
tity of mucilage of gum arable. 

Those who ehuse to preserve the juice of lemons in form of syrup, 
may dissolve in it, by the heat of a warm.bath, nearly double its 
weight of line sugar. The juice ought to be previously strained, 
and suffered to stand till it settles, 

The syrup of ginger is sometimes of use as a warm vehicle for 
giving medicines <0 persons afflicted with flatulency. It may be 
made, by infusing two ounces of bruised ginger in two pints of bo.il- 
m £ waf er for twenty-four hours. After the liquor has been strain¬ 
ed, and has stood to settle for some time, it may be poured off, and 
•a little more than double its weight pt line powdered sugar dissolv¬ 
ed in it. 

tinctures/ 



TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, p. 

ECTiFIED spirit is the direct menstruum of the resins ea- 

. sential oils of vegetables, and totally extracts these active 
principles from sundry substances, 'which yield them to water, either 
not at all of only in part. 

It dissolves likewise those parts of animal substance ; in which 
their peculiar sftiells and tastes reside. Hence the tinctures preoar- 
ed with reclined spirits form an useful and elegant class of medicines, 
possessing many of the most essential virtues of simples, without be- 
ing clogged with their inert dr useless parts. 

Water, however, being the proper menstruum of tfefiTem 4 e** 
line, and saccharine parts of fnedicinal substin&si^,. + J 

in fhe preparation of'sey^mL* lU * s '” a *- 

spirit, or a ctTixip-—. _ si 1 ect1 bed spirit and water. 

\ « • . ■*» * 

A romatic Tmet are. 


Infuse.; two ounces of Jamicapepper in two pints of brandy, with¬ 
out heat, for a few days ; then strain off the tincture. 

This siniple tincture will sufficiently answer all the intentions of 
the more costly preparations of this kind. It is rather too hot to 
be taken by itself; but is very proper for mixing with such medicines 
as might otherwise prove too cold for the stomach. 


Compound Tincture of the Bark . 

Take of Peruvian bark, two ounces ; Seville orange-peel and cin¬ 
namon, of each half an ounce. Let the bark be powdered, and the 
other ingredients bruised ; then infuse the whole in a pint and a half 
of brandy, lot five or Six days, in a close vessel; afterwards strain 
off the tincture. 

This tincture is not only beneficial in intermitting fevers, but al¬ 
so in the slow, nervous, and putrid kinds, especially towards their 
decline. 

The dose is from one drachm to three or four, every fifth or sixth 
'Tour. It may be given in any suitable liquor, and occasionally sharp¬ 
ened with a few (hops of the spirit of vitriol. 


Volatile Foetid Tincture . 

Infuse twd ounces of asafostida in one pint of volatile aromatic 
spirit, for eight days, in a close bottle, frequently shaking it then 
i ’ strain the tincture. 

This medicine is beheficial in hysteric disorders, especially when 
attended with lowness of spirits, and faintings. A tea-spoonful 
it may be taken in a glass of wine, or a cup of penny-royal tea, 

( 

■Volatile Tincture of Gum Guaiacum. 

Take of gum guaiacum, four ounces; volatilearomatie spirit, 
a pint. Infuse without heat, in a vessel well stopped for a few days* 
then strain off the tincture *. 


A very good tincture of guaiacum, for domestic life, may be made 


mtuling two or three ounces of the gum in a bottle oi rum or brandy. 


In 






434 


A 

-cx 


P PEND l:\. 


t , ' . . •< J. . “ 

In rheumatic comjplaints, a tea--spoonful o', this cinc'r/.e may I: 
cen ir/a crip of the infusion of water trefoil, twice or thrice ; 


taken 

day. 


he 

a~ 


7 Incfurc of Black lielebore. 

Incise, two ounces of the roots ot black het!6.borc, bruiser., in a 
pint ot proof spirit, for seven or eight days ; then Idler the tincture 
through paper. A scruple of cochineal may be ini used along with 
the roots* to-give the tincture a colour. . • , . . ,r'f /a 

In obstructions ot the menses,'a tea-spoonful of fit is tincture may 
be taken in a cup of camomile or penny-royaVtca twice a clay. 

Astringent Tincture, . 

for eight days; afte }* * P0* ^ R nalf of bran(m 

This tincture though not‘generally known, is ri good astringent 
'medicine With Phis view, an ounce, or move, of it may tie taker* 
three or lour times h-dav. 

Tine/arc of Myrrh mid Aides:. 

Take of gum myfrlr, an ounce and .ahalf; hepatic aloes, one ounce. 

Let them be reduced to a powder, and infused in two pints of 
rectified spirits, for sixkiays, in a gentle heat : then strain the tine- 
turn. . , _ ; 

This is principally u«ed by surgeons lor oiehsing foul ulcers, and 
restraining the progress of gangrenes. It is also, by some, recom¬ 
mended as a proper application to green wounds. 

Tincture of O/dam , or Liquid Laudittiuift ,; 

Take of crude opium, two ounces; spirituous aromatic water and 
mountain wine, each ten ounces. Dissolve the opium, sliced, in 
the wine; with a gentle heat, frequently stirring it; afterwards add 
the spirit, and strain oiTlhe tincture. 

As twenty*five' drops of this Nocture contain sbbut a grain of 
opium, the common dose may be from twenty to thirty drops. 

Sacred Tine lard' 'or Tincture of Hicra Picva: . 

Take of succotbribe aloes in powder, one, ounce; Virginian' 
snake root ami ginger, of earn two drachms Infuse in a pint of 
mountain wine, and half a pint of brandy, for a week, frequently 
shaking the bottle, then strain off the tincture. 

1 his is a safe and useful purge for persons of a languid and phh 
malic habit: but is thought to have better effects'' taken in small 
doses as a laxative. 

The dose, as a purge, is from one to two ounces; 

Confound Tincture of Sennar ; 

Fake of senna, one ounce; jalap, coriander seeds; and erham of 
fartar, of each half an ounce. Infuse them in a pint and a half of 
Drench brandy for a week ; then strain the tincture, and add ro it 
four ounces of fine sugar 

o * 

This is an agreeable purge, and answers all the pijr*> 64 <! of the 
Elixir sahitisy and of Ditjfy’s Elixir. 

The dose is from one to two or three ounces. Tincture 


435 


T I N C T U 'R E S, Sec. 

Tincture of Spanish Flics. 

I uKe or opanidi Hies, reoueed to a line powder, two ounces ; spj- 

•rit of wine, one pint. Infuse for two or three da ys'-j then strain ot£ 
•the tincture. 


i his is intended as an acrid stimulant for external use. Parts af¬ 
fected with tiie palsy or Chronic -rheumatism -may be fiet;uemi.y rub- 
bed will; it. 


_ ^ Tincture of the Balsam of Tolu. 

i ake of the balsam of To 
of wine, a pint Infuse in a 
ed ; then strain the tincture. 

Phis tincture possesses all the-virlues of the balsam. In coughs, 
and other complaints of the breast, a tea-sppouful or twoofiimay 
lx* taken in a bit of loaf sugar, -Hut the best way of using it is m 
syrup. An ounce of the tinciure, properly mixed with two’p.ounds 

of simple syrup, will make what is commonly chliod tire Balsamic. 
■Syrup. 

Tincture of Rhubarb. 

4 ake of rhubarb, two ounces and a half : lesser cardamom seeds/ 
half an ounce ; brandy, two pints. Digest for a week, ana strain 
the tincture. 

Those who chase to have a vinous tincture of rhubarb, may infuse 
the above ingredients in a bottle of Lisbon wine, adding to it about 
tw r o ounces of proof spirits. 

If half an ounefeof gentian-root, and a drachm of Virginian snake- 
■root be added ro the above ingredients, it will make the bitter tinc¬ 
ture of rhubarb. 

All these tinctures are designed as stomachics and corroborants a> 
well as purgatives. In weakness of the stomach, indigestion, laxity 
-df tiie intestines, fluxes, colicky and such iikecompiaints, they are 
frequently of great service. The dose is from half a spoonful to 
three or four spoonfuls or more, according to the circumstances of 
the patient, and the purposes it is intended to answer. 

Pa recto ric Elixir. 

Take of flowers or benzoin, half an ounce ; opium, two drachms.' 
Infuse in one pound of the volatile aromatic spirit, for four or live 
days, frequently shaking the bottle; afterwards strain the elixir. 

This is an agreeable and sate way of administering opium. It ca^e-i 
pain, allays tickling coughs, relieves difficult breathing, apd is use¬ 
ful in many disorders of children, particularly the hooping-cough. 

The dose to an adult is from fifty to a hundred drops. 

Sacred Elixir. 

Take of rhubarb cut small, ten drachms ; smeebtorine aioes, in 
powder, six drachms ; lesser cardamom seeds, half anvontfte; 
Trench brandy, two pints, g'Infuse for two or three days, and then 
strain the elixir. 

This useful stomachic purge may be taken from one ounce to an 
ounce and a half. 

M 3 


u, an ounce and a half; rectified spirit 
gentle heat until ihe balsam is dksoiv- 


Siojr.dchic 




A P P E N D I X. 


Stomachic Elixir. 

Take of gentian root, two ounces ; Curassoa oranges, one ounce; 
Virginian snake-root half an ounce. Let the ingredients be bruised* 
and infused for three or four days in two pints of French brandy* 
afterwards strain out the elixir. 

This is an excellent stomachic bitter. In flatulencies, indigestion, 
want of appetite, and such like complaints, a small glass of it may 
be taken twice a-day. It likewise relieves the gout in the stomach* 
when taken in a large dose.. 

Acid Eli.Ar of VitrioL 

Take of the aromatic tincture, one pint ; oil of vitriol, three 
ounces. Mix them gradually, and after the fmces have subsided, 
filter the elixir through paper, in a glass funnel. »,$ •; 

This is one of the best medicines which I know for hysteric and 
hypochondriac patients, afflicted with flatulencies arising from relaxa¬ 
tion or debility of the stomach and intestines. It will succeed where 
the most celebrated stomachic bitters have no effect* The dose is 
from ten to forty drops, in a glass of wine or water, or a cup of any 
bitter infusion, twice or thrice a-day. Il should be raken when the 
stomach is most empty. 

Cam fun a fed Spirit of Wine. 

Dissolve an ounce of camphor in a pint of rectified spirits. 

This solution is chiefly employed asflm embrocation in bruises, 
palsies, the chronic rheumatism, and for preventing gangrenes. 

The above quantity of camphor, dissolved in hail a pound of the 
volatile aromatic spirit, makes iVard' 's Essence. 

Spirit of Mindererus. 

Take of volatile sal ammoniac, any quantity. Pour on it gradual' 
1 \ distilled vinegar, tiil the effervescence ceases. 

This medicine is useful in promoting a discharge both by the skin 
ami urinary passages.' It is also a good external application in strains 
and bruises. 

When intended to raise a sweat, half an ounce of it in a cup of 
warm gruel, may be given to the patient in bed every hour till it has- 
the leored effect. 

y I N E G A II S. 

V INEGAR, is an acid produced from vinous liquors by a second 
fermentation It is an useful medicine both in inflammatory 
and putrid disorders. Its effects are, to cool the blood, quench- 
thirst, counteract a tendency to putrefaction, and allay inordinate 
motions of the system. It likewise promotes the natural secretions, 
ano m som e cases excites a copies sweat, where the warm medicines- 
HP? 3 P^lexipharmic, tend rather to prevent that salutarv evacuation. 

Weakness, farmings, vomiting-., and other hysteric affections, arc 
often relieved by vinegar applied to the mouth and nose, or receiv¬ 
ed into the siomacn. it is of excellent use also in correcting many 
poisonous substances, when taken into the stomach ; and in psoniot- 



^ IN EGA R SL 


43 T 


ifig their expulsion, by the different emunctories,. when received in¬ 
to the blood. 

\ inegar is not only an useful medicine, but: serves likewise toex- 
tract, in tolerable perfection, the virtues of several other medicinal 
substances. Most of the odoriferous flowers impart to it their fra¬ 
grance, together with a beautiful purplish or red colour. It also as¬ 
sists or coincideswith the intention of squills, garlic, gum ammoni¬ 
ac, and several other valuable medicines. 

These effects, however, are not to be expected from, every thing 
that Is sold under the name of vinegar,, but from such as is sound and 
well prepared. 

The best vinegars are those prepared from French wines. 

It is necessary for some purposes that the vinegar he distilled- but 
as this operation requires a particular chemical apparatus, we shall 
not insert it. 

Vinegar of Litharge. 

Take of litharge,, half a pound; strong vinegar, two pints. In¬ 
fuse them together in a moderate heat for three days,, frequently 
shaking the vessel; then filter the liquor for use. 

This medicine is little used; from a general notion of its being' 
dangerous There is reason, however, to believe, that the prepa¬ 
rations of lead with vinegar are possessed of some valuable proper- 
ties, and that they may be used in many, cases with safety and suc¬ 
cess. 

A preparation of a similar nature with’ the above has of late been - 
extolled by Goulard, a French surgeon, as a safe anc! extensively use¬ 
ful medicine, which he calls the Extract of Saturn, and orders to be’ 
made in the following manner : 

Take of litharge, one pound ; vinegar made of Frenc h wine, two 
pints. Put them together into a glazed earthen pipkin, and let them, 
boil or rather simmer, for an hour, or an hour and a quarter,, tak¬ 
ing care to stir them all the while with a wooden spatula. After the 
whole has stood to settle, pour ofT. the liquor w hich is upon the top 
into the bottles for use. 

With this extract Goulard makes his veg^to-vnntrrl water*, whic h • 
he recommends in a great variety, of external disorders, asldamroa- 
fcions, burns, bruises, sprains, ulcers, 8tc. 

He likewise prepares with it a number of other forms of medi¬ 
cine, as poultices, plasters, ointments, powders, <&cv 

Vinegar of Roses . 

Take of red roses, half a pound; strong vinegar, half a gallon.. 
Infuse in a close vessel for several weeks, in a gentle heat; and then 
strain off the liquor. 

This is principally used as an embrocation for head-achs, &c. 

Vinegar of Squills . 

Take of dried squills, two ounces;distilled vinegar, two pints. 
Infuse for ten days ora fortnight in a gentle, degree of heat, after¬ 
wards strain off the liquor, and add to it about a twelfth part its quan¬ 
tity of proof spirits. This, 

* See Collyrium of Lead. 






438 


A P P F- N D ; I X. 


This medicine lias good effects in disorders of the breast, occasi¬ 
oned by a load of viscid phlegm. It is also of use in hydropic cases; 
for promoting a discharge of urine. 

The dose is from two drachms to two ounces, according to the in¬ 
tention for which: it is given. When intended to act as a vomit,, 
the dose ought to be large... In other eases, it must not only be* ex¬ 
hibited in small doses, but also mixed with cinnamon water, or> 
some other agreeable aromatic liquor, to prevent the nausea it might; 
<other w i se occasion. 

W A T E K S' B Y INFUSIO N, &c. 

Lime-Water. 

IT^OUR two gallons of water gradually upon a pound of fresh 
_-L burnt quicklime ;• and when the ebullition ceases, stir them 
well together; then suffer the whole to stand„at rest that the lime 
may settle, and afterwards filter the liquor through'paper, which is 
to be kept in vessels closely siopt. 

Tiie lime-water from calcined oyster-shells, is prepared in the- 
same manner. 

Lime-water is principally used for the gravel ; in which ca^e, f om 
a pint or two or more of it may be drunk daily. Externally >i is us- 
«ed for washing foul ulcers, and removing the .itch, and. other, disea¬ 
ses of the skin. 

Compound Lime - Water.. 

Take shavings of guaiacurn wood, half a pound ; liquorice roof, 
one ounce; sassafras bark, half an ounce; coriander seeds, three 
drachms; simple-lime-water, six pints.. 

Infuse without heat for two days, and then strain off the liquor. 

In the same manner may lime-waier be impregnated with the vir¬ 
tues of other vegetable substances.. Such impregnation not on¬ 
ly renders the water more agreeable to the palate, but also a more- 
efficacious medicine, especially in cutaneous disorders and foulness- 
of the blood and juices. 

It may be taken in the same quantify as the simple water. 

Sublimate Water. 

Dissolve eight grains of the corrosive sublimate in a pint of cin¬ 
namon water. 

If a stronger solution-be wanted, a double or triple quantity of 
sublimate may be used. 

The principal intention of this is to cleanse foul ulcers, and con¬ 
sume proud flesh. 

Styptic Water,. 

Take of blue vitriol and aium, each-an ounce and a half; water,, 
one pint. Boil them until the salts are dissolved, then filter the li¬ 
quor, and add to it a drachm of the oil of vitriol. 

To is water is used for stopping a bleeding at the nose, and other 
haemorrhages; for whidi purpose cloths or dossils dipt in it must be- 
apphed iO the pari. 


simple distilled waters. 


459 ' 

Tar Wafer. 

Pour a gallon of water on two pounds of Norway far, .and stir 
diem strongly together with a wooden rod : after they have stood to 
settle for two days, pour oft (lie water for use. 

Though tar-water falls* greatly short of the character which has 
been given of it, yet it possesses some medicinal virtues. It sensi¬ 
bly raises the pulse, increases the secretions, , and.sometimes ©pens 
the body, or occasions vomiting. 

A pint of it may be drank daily, or more; if the stomach can 
bear it. It is generally ordered to be taken on an empty stomach, 
viz. f our ounces morning and evening* and tire same quantity about 
two hours after breakfast, and dinner. 


SIMPLE DISTILLED WATERS. 


A GREAT number of distilled waters were formerly kept in the 
. shops, and are still retained in some dispensatories. But we 
consider them chiefly in the light of grateful diluents, suitable vo 
hides for medicines of greater efficacy, or for rendering disgustful 
ones more agreeable to the palate and stomach. We shall therefore 
insert only a few. of those which are best adapted to these intenti¬ 
ons. 

The management of a still being now generally understood, it is 
needless to spend time in giving directions for that purpose. 

Cinnamon IVater . 

Steep one pound of cinnamon bark, bruised, in a gallon and a half 
of water, and one pint or brandy, for two days; and then distil off 
one gallon. 

Tin s is an agreeable aromatic water, possessing in a high degree 
the fragrance and cordial-virtues of the spice. 

Penny-royal Water. 

Take of penny-royal leaves, dried, a pound and a half; water, 
from a gallon and a half to-two gallons. Draw off by. distillation, 
one gallon. 

'Plus water possesses, in a considerable degree, the smell, taste, 
and virtues of the plant. It is given in mixtures and juleps to h-yste 
ric patients. 

An infusion of the herb in boiling water answers nearly the same 
purposes. 

Peppermint Wafer. 

This i s made in the same manner as the preceding. 

4 O 

Spearmint Water. 

This may also be prepared in the same way as the penny royal 
water. 

Both these are useful stomachic wafers, and will sometines re¬ 
lieve vomiting, especially when it proceeds from indigestion, *r cold 
viscid phlegm. They are likewise useful in somecolicky complaints, 
the gout in the stomach, &c, particularly the peppermint-water. 

A n 




440 


APPENDIX. 


An infusion of the fresh plant is frequently found to have the samer 
effect as the distilled water. 

Rose Water. 

Take of roses fresh gathered, six pounds; water, two gallons. 
Distil off one gallon. 

This water is principally valued on account of its fine flavour. 

Jamaica Pepper Water. 

Take of Jamaica pepper, half a pound ; water, a gallon and a 
half. Distiloff one gallon. 

This is a very elegant distilled water, and may in most cases sup^ 
ply the place of the more costly spice-waters. 

SPIRITUOUS DISTILLED WATERS. 


Spirit nous Cinnamon-Water. 


T AKE of cinnamon bark, one pound ; proof spirit, and coramoa. 

water, of each one gallon. Steep the cinnamon in the liquor 
for two days; then distil off one gallon. 


Spirituous Jamaica Pepper Water. 

Take of Jamaica pepper, half a pound ; proof spirit, three gab¬ 
ions ; water, two gallons. Distil off three gallons. 

This is a sufficiently agreeable cordial,and may supply the place of 
the Aromatic H ater. 


W II E Y S. 


Alu?n Whey. 

OIL two drachms of powdered alum in a pint of milk till it is 
curdled ; them strain out the whey.. 

This whey is beneficial in an immoderate flow of the menses, and 
in a diabetes , or excessive discharge of urine. 

The dose is two, three or four ounces, according as the stomach, 
will bear it, three times a-day. If it should occasion vomiting, it 
may be diluted. 

Mustard Whey. 

Take milk and water, of each a pint ; bruised mustard-seed, an 
mince and a half. Boil them together till the curd is perfectly sepa¬ 
rated ; afterwards strain the whey through a cloth. 

This is the most elegant, and by no means the least efficacious 
method of exhibiting mustard. It warms and invigorates the habit, 
and promotes the different secretions. Hence, in the low state 
of iervous fevers, it will often supply the place of wine. It is also 
j in the chronic rheumatism, palsy, diopsy, 8 zc. The addition 
of allitle sugar will render it more agreeable. 

Tke dose is an ordinary tea-cupful lour times a-day. 


Siorbutic 



WINE S. 


441 


Scorbutic Whey. 

Tins whey is made by boiling half a pint of the scorbutic juices in 
& quart of cow’s milk. More benefit, however, is to be expected 
from eating the plants, than from their expressed juices. 

The scorbutic plants are, bitter oranges, brooklime, garden scurvy- 
grass, and water-cresses. 

A number of other wheys maybe prepared nearly in the same man¬ 
ner, as orange whey, cream of tartar whey, &c. These are cooling 
pleasant drinks in fevers,.and may be rendered cordial, when neces¬ 
sary, by the addition of wine. 

WINES. 

T HE effects of wine are to raise the pulse, promote perspiration, 
warm the habit, and exhiiirate the spirits. The red wines 
besides these effects, have an astringent quality, by which they 
strengthen the tone of the stomach and intestines, and by this means, 
prove serviceable in restraining immoderate secretion;. 

The thin sharp wines have a different tendency. They pass oft 
freely by the different emunctories, and gently open the body. The 
effect* of the full bodied wines are, however, much more durable 
than those of the thinner. 

All sweet wines contain a glutinous substance, and d© not pass off 
freely. Hence they will heat the bodymore than an equal quantity 
of any other wine, though it should contain fully as much spirit. 

From the obvious qualities of wine, it must appear tobean excel¬ 
lent cordial medicine. Indeed, to say the truth, it is worth all the 
rest put together. 

But to answer this character, it must be sound and good. No be¬ 
nefit is to be expected from the common trash that is often sold by the 
name of wine, without possessing one drop of the juice of the 
grape. Perhaps no medicine is more rarely obtained genuine than 
wine. 

Wine is not only used as a medicine, but is also employed as a 
menstruum for extracting the virtues of other medicinal substances ; 
for which it is not ill adapted, being a compound of water, inflamma¬ 
ble spirit, and acid ; by which means it is enabled to act upon vegeta¬ 
ble and animal substances, and also to dissolve some bodies of the 
metallic kind, so as to impregnate itself with their virtues, as steel, 
antimony, &c» 

Anthelmintic Wine , 

Take of rhubarb, half an ounce ; worm-seed, an ounce. Bru ise 
them, and infuse without heat in two pints of red port w ine for a fe w 
days, then strain off the wine. 

As the stomachs of persons afflicted with worms are always debili¬ 
tated, red wine alone will often prove serviceable : It must, how ¬ 
ever, have still better effects when joined with bitter and purgative 
ingredient's, as in the above - form. 

A glass of this wine may 'he taken twite or thrice a-day. 


Antimonial 







A V P E N D I X. 


Anlimoniai 'Wine .yc 

Take glass of antimony, reduced to'a tine powder/half an ounce. 
Lisbon wine, efj^ht ounces. Digest, without heat, tor three or 
four days, now and then shaking the bottle; afterwards filter the wine 
through paper. 

The dose of this wirife'varies according to the intention. As an. 
alterative and diaphoretic, it may be taken from ten to fifty or 
sixty drops. In a large dose it generally proves cathartic, or excites 
vomiting. 

Bitter Wine, J 

Take of gentian root, yello w rind of lemon-peel, fresh, each one 
ounce; long pepper two drachms ; mountain wine, two pints. In¬ 
fuse without heat for a week, and strain out the wine for use. 

In complaints arising from weakness of the stomach, or indiges¬ 
tion, a glass of this wine may be taken an hour before dinner and 
supper. 

Ipecacu an h a J Vine. 

Take of ipecacuanha, in powder, one ounce; mountain wine, a 
pint. Infuse for three or four days; then filter the tincture. 

This is a safe vomit, and answers extremely well for such persons 
as cannot swallow the powder, or whose stomachs are too irritable 
to bear it. 

The dose is from one ounce to an ounce and a half. 

Chalijbeale or Steel Wine. • 

Take filings of iron, two ounces ; cinnamon anil mace, of each 
two drachms; Rhenish wine, two pints. Infuse for three or four 
weeks, frequently shaking the bottle; then puss the wine through a 
til ter. 

In obstructions of the menses, this preparation of iron may'be tak¬ 
en, in the dose of half a wine-glass twice or thrice a-day. 

The medicine would probably be as good if made with Lisbon 
wine, sharpened with half an ounce of the cream of tartar, ora 
small quantity of the vitriolic acid. 

Stomach Wine . 

Take of Peruvian bark, grossly powdered, an ounce ; cardamom 
seeds, and grange-peel, bruised, of each two drachms. Infuse in a 
bottle of w hite port or Lisbon wine for five or six days; then strain 
off the wine. 

This wine is not only of service in debility of the stomach and in¬ 
testines, but may also be taken as a preventive, by persons liable to 
the intermittent fever, or who reside in places where this disease 
prevails. It will be of use likewise to those who recover slowly after 
fevers of any kind, as it assists digestion, and helps to restore the 
lone and vigour of the system. 

A glass of it may be taken two or three times a-dav. 


( 443 ) 

A G L O S. S A R Y,„ 




A LTHOUGH terms of art have been sedulously avoided in the 
composition of this treatise, it is impossible entirely to banish 
technical phrases when, writing on medicine, a.science that has; 
been less generally attended to by mankind, and continues therefor^ 
to be more infected with the jargon of the schools, than perhaps any, 
other. Several persons having expressed their opinion that a Glos¬ 
sary would make this work more generaly intelligible, the following 
concise explanation of the few terms of art that occur, has been ad¬ 
ded in compliance with their sentiments, and to fulfil the original in¬ 
tention of this treatise, bv rendering it intelligible and useful to ali 
ranks and classes of mankind* 

Abdomen.* The belly* 

Absorbents. Vessels that convey the nourishment from the intestines, 
and the secreted fluids from the various cavities into the mass of 
blood. 

Acrimony. Corrosive sharpness. 

Acute. A disease, the symptoms of which are violent, and tend to a 
speedy termination, is called acute. 

Adult, Of mature age* 

Adust, Dry, warm. 

Astispasmodic. Whatever tends to prevent or remove spasm. 

Aphthae. Small whitish ulcers appearing in the mouth. 

Astriction , A tightening or lessening. 

Atrabilarim An epithet commonly applied to people of a certain 
temperament, marked by a dark complexion, black hair, spare 
habit, &c, which the ancients supposed to arise from the atru Oilzs , 
or the black bile. 

JUile , or GalL A- fluid which is secreted by the liver into the galb. 
bladder, and from thence passes into the intestines, in order to 
promote digestion. 

Cacochymie. An unhealthy state of the body.. 

Caries. A rottenness of the bone. 

Chyle. A milky fluid separated from the aliment in the intestines, 
and conveyed by the absorbents into the blood to supply the waste 
of the animal body. 

Chronic. A disease whose progress is slow, in opposition to acute. 
Circulation. The motion of the blood, which is driven by the hearty 
through the arteries, and returns by the veins^. 

Comatose. Sleepy. 

Conglobate Gland. A simple gland. 

Conglomerate. A compound gland. 

Contagion Infectious matter. 

Cutis. The skin. 

CuttiKQU?* Of or belonging to the skiji* 

N A 






444. 


A GLOSSARY. 


Crisis.. A certain period in.the progress of a disease, from whence 
a decided alteration either for the Letter or the worse takes place. 

Critical Decisive or important. 

Critical days. The fourth, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, 
fourteenth, seventeen!), and twenty-first, are by some authors de¬ 
nominated critical days, because febrile complaints have been ob¬ 
served to take a decisive change at these periods. 

Debility, Weakness. 

Delirium, A temporary disorder of the mental faculties. 

Diavhrazm. A membrane separating the cavity of the chest from that 

Jf‘: of the belly. 

Diuretic. A medicine that promotes the secretion of urine. 

Drastic. Is applied to such purgative medicines as are violent or 
harsh in their operation. 

Empyema. A collection of purulent matter in the cavity of the breast* 

Endemic A disease peculiar to a certain district of country. 

Epidemic. A disease generally infectious. 

Exacerbation, The increase of any disease, 

Drees. Excrements. 

Fetid. Emitting an offensive smell. 

Ea'ius. The child before birth, or wh«r born before the proper pe¬ 
riod, is thus, termed. 

Flatulent . Producing wind. 

Fungus. Proud fiesh. 


Mortification. 


Gangrene. 

GummaU, 7 Venereal excrescence?. 

Ganglia, j 

Gymnastic. Exercise.taken with a view to preserve.or restore health* 

—The. ancient physicians reckoned this an important branch of- 

. r j.-,- •• * *. -A •• - * 

medicine. 


JJectic Fever. A slow consuming, fever, generally attending a bad 
habit of body, or some incurable and deep-rooted disease. 

Hemorrhoids. The piles. 

Llccmorrhage. Discharge of blood. 

hypoehondriacisin. Low spirits. 

J/ypochondriac viscera. The liver, spleen, &c. So termed from their, 
situation in the hypochondriac or upper and lateral parts of the, 
belly. 

« 

Ichor. Thin bad matter. 

Jmposthume. A collection of purulent matter. 

Inflammation. 'A surcharge of blood, and an increased action <,>f the?, 
vessels, in any particular part of the body. 

Ligature. Bandage. 

Lixivium. Ley. 

Afiliury Eruption. Eruption of small pustules resembling, the &eds of 
iwlfeh ’ **' '• MorUfy 



443 


A GLOSSARY. 

Morbific. Causing disease, or diseased. 

Mucus. The matter discharged from the nose, lungs, fide. 
Mysentery. A double membrane which connects the intestines to the 
back bone. 

Nt > vouf. Irritable. 

Nausea. An inclination to vomit. 

Nodes. Enlargements of the bones produced by the veneral disease,, 

Pectoral. Medicines adapted to cure diseases of the breast. 
pelvis. The bones situated at the lower part of the trunk ; thus 
named from their resembling in some measure a bason. 
pentonceum. A membrane lining the cavi ty of the belly and cover¬ 
ing the intestines. 

Pericardium. Membrane containing tire heart. 

Perspiration. The matter discharged from the pores of the skin in 
form of vapour or sweat. 

Phlogiston,. Is here used to signify somewhat rendering the air unfit 
for the purposes of respiration. 

Phlegmatic. Watery, relaxed. 

Plethoric . Replete with blood. 

polypus. A diseased excrescence, or a substance formed of coagula* 
ble lymph, frequently found in the large blood-vessels. 
pits. Matter contained in a bile. 

Regimen. Regulation of diet. 

Rectum. The straight gut, in which the fceces are contained. 
Respiration. The act of breathing. 

Saliva. The fluids secreted by the glands of the mouth. 

Sanies. A thin bad matter, discharged from an ili-conditioned sore. 
Scirrhous. A state of diseased hardness. 

Slough. A part separated and thrown off by suppuration. 

Spasm . A diseased contraction. 

Spine. The back bone,. 

Styptic A medicine for stopping the discharge of blood. 

Sowope. A fainting-fit attended with a complete abolition of serisew 

i lion and thought. 

Tabes. A species cf consumption. 

Temperament. A peculiar habit of body, of which there are gene- 
' rally reckoned four, viz. the sanguine, the bilious, the melan¬ 
cholic, and the phlegmatic. 

Vertigo. Giddiness, 

Ulcer . An ill-conditioned sore. . 

Ureters. Two long and small canals which convey the urine from 

the kidnies to the bladder. 

Urylhra, The canal \yhich conveys the urine from the bladder. 





E 


I N 




A BLUTIONS, Jewish and Mahometan, well Calculated for the 
preservation of health, 61. 

Abortion, causes and symptoms of, 309. Means of prevention, 310* 
Proper treatment in the case of, ibid. 

Abscesses, how to be treated, 180. 333*. 

Accidents, See Casualties. 

Acids, of peculiar service in consumptions, 108;. In putrid fevers, 
117 .. Not suitable to the measles, 142. 

Acidities in the bowels of infants* the origin of, 319., Method of 
cure, 320. 

Ackwortk, foundling-hospital at, cause of the children there being 
afflicted with scabbed heads, and fatal consequences of their ill 
treatment, 323. note. 

Addison, his remark on the luxury of the table, 56. 

ACther, very serviceable in removing fits of the asthma, 238. Is 
excellent for flatulencies., 233. 

sEhhidfjs mineral, strongly recommended by Dr. Gheyne in inflam¬ 
mations of the eyes, 154. 

Africans, their treatment of children, 7, note. 

Agaric of the oak, its merit as a styptic, 336., Method of gather-. 

ing, preparing, and applying it, ibid. note. 

Agriculture, a healthful, constant, and profitable employment, 29. 
Is too much neglected in favour of manufactures, ibid. Garden¬ 
ing the most wholesome amusement for sedentary persons, 32. 
Ague, a species of fever no person can mistake,, and the proper me-~ 
dicine for, generally known, 87^ Causes of, ibid. Symptoms,. 
ibid. Regimen for, ibid. Under a proper regimen will often go 
off without medicine, 88. Medical treatment of, ibid ; Often, 
degenerates into obstinate chronical diseases, if not radically cu-~ 
ed, 91. Peruvian bark the only medicine to be relied on, ibid. 
Children how to be treated in, 92. Preventive medicine for those; 
who live in marshy countries. Of id'. 

Air, confined, poisonous to children, IS. A free open air will 
sometimes cure the most obstinate disorders in children, 20. Oc¬ 
cupations which injure the health by unwholesome air, 22. 29. 
The qualities of, act more sensibly on the body than.is generally 
imagined, 44. The several noxious qualitisis of, specified, ibid. 
In large cities, polluted by various circumstances, ibid. The air 
in churches, how rendered unwholesome, 45. Houses ought tp 
be ventilated daily, ibid. The danger attending small apartments, 
46. Persons whose business confines them to town ought tp 
sleep in the country, ibid. High walls obstruct the free current 
of dir, ibid. Trees should not be planted too near to houses, 47. 
Fresh air peculiarly necessary for the sick, ibid. The sick in hos¬ 
pitals in more danger from the vy&d of fresh air, than from their 

disorders. 


I N D E X. 


disorders, ibid. Wholesomeness of the morning- air, 49. The 
changeableness of, one great cause of catching cold, 74. Those 
who keep most within, doors, the most sensible of these changes, 
75. Of the night, to be carefully guarded against, ibid. Fresh 
air often of more efficacy in diseases than medicine, 82. Its im¬ 
portance in fevers, .85, 94. States of, liable >to produce putrid 
fevers, i 14. Must be kept cool and fresh in sick'chambers under 
this disorder, lid. Change of, one of the'most effectual reme¬ 
dies for the hooping-cough, 166. The qualities'of, a material 
consideration for asthmatic patients, 233. , The various ways by 
which it may be rendered noxious, 357. Confined, bow to try, 
and purify, ibid. Method of recovering persons poisoned by foul 
air, 353. Fresh, of (he greatest importance in fainting fits, 362, 

Aiken, Mr. his treatise cn the nature and cure of fractures, recom¬ 
mended, 346. 'note- , 

Akfdi, caustic, recommended in the stone, 191. Kov/ to prepare 
it, ibid. note. . 

Aliment , is capable of changing the whole constitution of the body,, 
37. Will in many eases answer every intention in the cure of 
diseases , ibid. The calls of hunger and thirst, sufficient for re¬ 
gulating the due quantity of,' ibid. The quality of, how injured, 
ibid. A due mixture of vegetables necessary with our animal 
food, 39. To what the bad effects of tea are principally owing, 
ibid. Water, good and bad, distinguished, 40. Inquiry into 
the qualities of fermented liquors, with instructions for (lie due 
making of. them, 41. . The qualities of good bread, and why 
adulterated by bakers, ibid. General rules for the choice of food, 
ibid. Ought not to be too uniform, 42. Meals ought to betak¬ 
en at regular time$, ibid. Long fasting injurious both to old and 
young*, 43. Breakfasts ahd suppers, ibid. Changes of diet ought 
to be gradually made, ibid. General observations on, 377. 

Amaurosis. See Guita serena. , . 

American Indians, their method of curing the venereal disease, 292, 

Amusements, sedentary, improper for sedentary perons, 30. Ought 
always to he of art active kind, 50. 

Anasarka. , See Dropsy . ,• 

Anger,' violent fits of, injurious to the constitution, 66. Tranqu- 
lity of mind essential to health, ibid. . 

Annual food, cautions in giving it to children, II . Animals that die 
of themselves, unfit for food, 38. Overdriven cattle renderedun- 
wholesome, ibid. The artifices of butchers exposed, ibid. Too 
great a quantity of, generates the scurvy, 39. Injurious to many 
habits, 377. 

Animals and plants, the .analogy in the nourishment of, stated, 55. 

Anibony’s fire, St. See Erysipelas. 

Aphth/r ; See Thrush. 

Apoplexy, who most liable to this disorder, 239. Causes, ibith 
Symptoms and method of cure, 240. Cautions to persons ot a$ 
apoplectic make*, 241. 

Apothecaries weights, a table ot, 401. 

A)parcl See Clothing. 

0 2 


AvpctiVh 





Appetite, want of, causes and remedies for, 243. . 

Arbuthnot, Dr. his advice in the inflammation of the lungs, 10L 
His advice tor persons troubled with costiveness, 242, note. 

Arsenic, the effects'of, on the stomach, '276. ' "Medical treatment 
when’ the symptoms appear;' ibid. 

Arts. See Mimvfactures. 

Ascites. ' See Dropsy. 

Asses milk, why it seldom does any good, 105. Instructions for 
taking it, 405. 

Asthma, the different kinds of this disorder distinguished, with its 
causes, 237. Symptoms, ibid. Medical treatment, 23d. Re* 
medies proper in the moist asthma, ibid. 

Atmosphere. See Air. 

BJLLh purging vermifuge powder, preparation of, 216. 

Balsams, how to prepare. Anodyne balsam, 404, Lo.catelli’s bal¬ 
sam, ibid. Vulnerary balsam, ibid. 

Bandages, tight, produce most of the bad consequences attending 
fractured bones, 346. 

Bark, Peruvian, the best antidote for sailors against disorders on a 
foreign coast, 28, How to Be administered in the ague, 89. 
Distinction between the ref! bark and quill bark, ibid, note. A 
decoction or infusion of/may be take n by those who cannot swal¬ 
low it in substance, "90. Is often adulterated, ibid. note. Is (he 
only medicine to be depended on in agues. ‘91. How it mav be 
rendered more palatable, ibid. May be administered by clyster, 92, 
Cold water thebest menstruum for extracting the virtues of thisdrug, 
109. How to be administered in the putrid fever, 118; and in 
the erysipelas,' 148 In an inflammation of the eyes, 154. Its 
efficacy in a malignant quinsey, 160. In the hooping-cough, 168. 
A good medicine in vomiting, when it proceeds from weakness of 
the Stomach, 185, Its efficacy in a diabetes, and how to take it, 

f- 1S8. Is good against the piles, 196;' and worms, 215. Its use 
dangerous tor preventing a fit of the gout, 225. A good remedy 

, in the King’s evil, 234; and in the filter alius. 308, 

Barley water, how made, 97, 

Barrenness in women, the general causes of, 315. Course of relief, 
316. Dr. Cheyne’s observations on, ibid. note. 

Brit It waters good in the gout, 225. 

Bath, cold, the good effects of, on children, 18. Recommended to 
the studious, 36. Is peculiarly excellent for strengthening the 
nervous system, 247. Therefore should never be omitted in 
gleets, 291. Is good tor rickety children, 328. Cautions con¬ 
cerning the improper use of, in adults, 368—371. 

Bath, warm, of great service in an inflammation of the stomach, 170. 

Bathing, a religious duty under the Judaic and Mahometan laws, 61. 
Is conducive to health, ibid. 

Bears foot recommended as a powerful remedy against worms, 215. 

Beds, instead ol being made up again as soon as persons rise from them', 
ought to be turned down and exposed to the air, 45. Bad effects 
of too great indulgence in bed, 49. Damp, the danger of, 76. 
Soft, are i- ‘urious to the kidneys, 187—190. 

Beer, the iil consequences of making it too weak, 41. FernieiotH 
artiffeesof the dealers in, ibid, Bclh 


JL j ±M \ JJT . } JCj. 

Setts* parish, the tolling them for the dead, a dangerous custom, 67. 

ife'/es, 384*. f 

Bilious, colic, symptoms and treatment of, 174, 

Bilious, fever. See Fever'., 

Site of a mad dog. See Z)og. *“ 

Sitters, warm and astringent, antidotes to agues, 90. > Are service¬ 
able in vomiting when it proceeds from weakness in the stomach. 
185. , ' “ 

Bladder, inflammation of, its general causes, _ 178. , Medical treat¬ 
ment of, ibid. 

Bladder; stone in. See Stone „ 

But <.. See Erysipelas. 

Bleeding, cautions for the operation of, in fevers, 86. In the ague, 
89. its importance in the acute continual fever, 95. In the 
pleurisy, 97.; When necessary rn an inflammation of the lungs, 
102.5 - Caution against, in a neryous fever, 113., In the putrid 
fever,, 118. In the miliary fever, 122.> When necessary in the 
small-pox, 129 v When useful in the measles, 142. When ne¬ 
cessary in the- bilious fever, 145. Under,, what circumstances 
pro per in the erysipelas, 147. Mode of, proper in an inflamma¬ 
tion of the brain, 150'. , Is always necessary in an inflammations, 
of the eyes, 152. When propei and improper, in a cough, 164, 
When proper in the hooping-cough, 167.,- Is almost the only 
thing to be depended on in an inflammation of the stomach, 170, 
And in an inflammation of the intestines, 171. Is necessary in 
an inflammation of the kidneys, 177, - Its use in a suppression of 
urrne, 189.\ Is proper in an asthma, 238. Is dangerous in faint¬ 
ing fits, without due caution, 258. Cautions proper in the puer¬ 
peral fever, 314. Is an operation generally performed by persons 
who do not understand when it is proper, 331.. 3n what cases it 
ought to be had recourse to,., 332. The quantity taken away, 
how to be regulated, ibid. . General rules for the operation, ibid. 
Objections to bleeding by leeches, ibid. * Prevailing prejudices 
relating to bleeding, 333. The arm the most commodious part 
to lake blood from, ibid . 

Bleeding at the nose, spontaneous, is of more service, where bleed¬ 
ing is necessary, than the operation with the l.aucet, 194. Ought 
not to be stopped without due consideration, ibid. How to 
stop it. when necessary, 195. Cautions to prevent frequent re¬ 
turns of, ibid. 

Blind persons, when born so might be educated, to employments 
suited to their capacity, 266, note* 

Blisters, peculiarly advantageous in the nervous fever, 113. ? When 
only to be applied in the putrid fever, 118. When proper in tho 
miliary fever, 122. Seldom fail to remove the most obstinate in¬ 
flammation of the eyes, J53. A good remedy in the qninsey, 157. 
Proper for a violent hooping, cough 168. Is one of the best reme¬ 
dies for an inflammation of the stomach, 17o-< Are efficacious in the 
tooth-ach, 210. ^ ^ 

Blood, involuntary discharges of, often salutary, and ought not to be 
rashly stopped, 192. The several kinds of these discharges, with, 
their usual causes, ibid. Methods of cure, 193. . 

Blood, spitting of, who most subject to, and at what seasons, 197. 



I; N D E X. 

Tis causes, ibid., Symptoms, 198. Proper regimen in ,ihifc 
Medical treatment, 199. 1 Cautions for persons subject to it, tbia. 

Blood; vomiting of, its causes and symptoms, 200. Medical treat¬ 
ment, ibid. 

Blood -shot eye, how to cure, 258. 

Bloody-iUix." See Dysentery. ' 

Boer have, his observations on dress, 55, note. His mechanical ex¬ 
pedients to relieve an inflammation ot the brain, 150. 

Boluses, general rules fox the preparing of, 405. The astringent 
bolus, ibid. Diaphoretic bolus, ibid. Mercurial bolus, ibid 
Bolus of rhubard and mercury, ibid. Pectoral bolus, ibid. Purg¬ 
ing bolus, ibid. 

Bones,, the exfoliation of, a very slow operation, 339. Bones, bro¬ 
ken, often successfully undertaken by ignorant operators, 345. 
Regimen to be adopted after the accident, ibid. Hints of conduct 
jf the patient is confined to his bed, 346. Cleanliness to be re¬ 
garded during this confinement, ibid. The limb not to be kept 
continually on the stretch, ibid. Cautions to be observed in set¬ 
ting a bone, ibid. Tight, bandages condemned, ibid. Howto 
keep the limb steady by an easy method, 347. Fractures ol the_ 
ribs, ibid. 

Boiveh, intlammation of. See Stomach. 

Boys, the military exercise proper for them, 16, 

Jdraidvcood , Mr.his skill in teaching the dumb'to speak, 268, note. 

Brain ., inflammation of, who most liable to it, with its causes and 
symptoms 148. Regimen, 150. Medical treatment, ibid. 

Bread, proper food for children, as soon as they can chew it, 10. A* 
crust of, the best gum-stick, 11. The best modes of preparing it 
in food.for children, ibid. Good, the qualities of, and for what 
purpose adulterated by the bakers, 41. Toasted, a decoction of, 
good to check the. vomiting in a cholera morbus., 181. A surfeit 
of, more dangerous than any other food, 379. The finest not al¬ 
ways the best' adapted for nutrition, ibid. Household bread the 
most wholesome, ibid. Wheat Hour apt to occasion constipation, 
380, Different kinds of grain make the best bread, ibid. Con¬ 
sumption qf bread increased by drinking tea, 381. Indian corn 
the best food when boiled ; 384. Buck wheat highly nutritious* 
ibid.' Various substitutes for bread, 386. 

Brimstone. See Sulphur. 

Broth, gelatinous, recommended in the dysentery,how to make, 203, 

Broths and Soups various ingredients in the composition of, 387, 388/ 
General observations on, 391. The most wholesome diet fox the 
poor, ibid. Warmly recommended by Count Rumford, 392. 
Brown soup recommended for breakfast in place of lea, 393. 

Bruises , why of worse consequence than wounds, 338 : Proper 
treatment of, 539. The exfoliation of injured bones a very slow 
operation, ibid, How to cure sores occasioned by, ibid. 

Buboes, two kinds of distiguished, with their proper treatment, 294. 

Burdens, heavy, injurious to the lungs, 24. 

JBurgundy pitch, a plaster of, between the shoulders, an excellent ie- 
medy in a cough, 164. In a hooping-cough, 16-3. And for chib 
t 11 teething, 3265 


I N D E X. 

Burials , the dangers attending their being allowed in Ihe midst of po¬ 
pulous towns, 45, 

Bu ms, slight, how to cure, 337 Treatment of, when violent, ibid. 
Extraordinary case of, 338. Liniment for, 424. 

Butchers , their professional artifices explained and condemned, 38. 

Butter, ought to be very sparingly given to on Iren, 12. Used in 
large quantities very injurious to the stomacn, having a constant 
tendency to turn rancid, 384. Bread made with butler not easily 
digested, 335. Pasties of every kind improper for children, 386. 

CABBAGE leaves, topical application of, in a plurisy, 93. 

Camphor, why of little use iroeye-waters, 408. 

Camphorated oil, preparation of, 425. 

Camphorated spirit of wine, 436. 

Camps, the great necessity of consulting cleanliness in, 60 

Cancer, Its different stages described, with the producing causes, 
272. Symptoms, i,bid. Regimen, and medical treatment, 273. 
Dr. Storck’s method of treating this disorder, ibid . Cautions for 
avoiding it, 274. 

Cancer scroti, a disorder peculiar to chimney-sweepers, owing to 
want of cleanliness, 59, note. 

Carriages, the indulgence of, a sacrifice of health to vanity, 43. 

Carrot , wild, recommended in the stone, 192. 

Carrot poultice for cancers, how to prepare, 274. 

Carrot, properly manured, may supply the place of bread, 330. 

Casualties, which apparently put an end to life, necessary cautions 
respecting, 349. 

■ - substances stopped in the gullet, 350. 

■ - drowning, 354. 

--——- noxious vapours, 357, 

-- extremity of cold, 35S. 

-i—. extreme heat, 35.9. 

Cataplasms, their general intention, 406. Preparation of the dfscu- 
tient cataplasm, ibid. Ripening cataplasm, ibid. 

Cataract , the dirorder and its proper treatment described, 267. 

Cattle, stall fed, are unw holesome food, 3$. Over driven, are kill¬ 
ed in a high feyer, ibid. The artifices of butchers exposed, ibid. 

Cellars, long shut, ought to be cautiously opened, 45. And sunk 
stories of houses, unhealthy to live in, 77. Of liquors in a stale 
of fermentation, dangerous to enter, 357. Plow to purify the 
air in, ibid. 

Celsus, his rules for the preservation of health, 79. 

Chancres, described, 294. Primary, &c. how to treat, 295. 

CharcoalJire, the danger of sleeping in the fume of, 358. 

Charity, the proper exercise of, 26 . 

Cheese, as a diet, injurious to health, 386. 

Cheyne, Dr. his persuasive to the use of exercise, 49. Hisjudgment 
of the due quantities of urine, not to be relied on, 73. Strongly 
recommends 2Elhiops mineral in inflammations of the eyes, 154. 
H is observations on barrenness, 316‘, note. 

Chilblains, cause of, 323. Plow to cure, 324. 

Child-bed women, how to be treated under a miliary fever, 123, 
Child-bed fever. See Fever, 







Jfc. X 'I • , 




Child-birth, the season of req uires due care after the labour pains are 
over, 31.0.. Medical advise to womep in labour, 311. IJI effect 
of collecting a number of women on such occasions, ibid. note. 
Ho vv to guard against the miliary fever, 313- bymptomsof the . 
puerperal fever, ibid.' Proper treatment of that fever, 314. Ge¬ 
neral cautions for women at this season, 315. 

Childs' 7 ?., their diseases generally acute, ann delay dangerous, 4, 
Their disorders less complicated, and easier cured, .than those of 
adults, ibid. Are often the heirs of the diseases of their parents, 
ibid. Those born cf diseased parents, require peculiar care in the 
nursing, 5.,, Are often killed or deformed by injudicious clothing, 

6. How treated ’n Africa, 7, note. , The usual cau .es of defor¬ 
mity in, explained, ibid. Their clothes ought to be fastened on 
with strings, 8. General rule for clothing them, ibid. Cleanli¬ 
ness, an important article in their dress, 9. .< '•The m Ik of the mo¬ 
ther the most natural food for, ibid. Absurdity of giving them, 
drugs as their first food, 10.' The best method of expelling the 
meconium, ibid . How they ought to be weaned from the breast, 
ibid. A crust of bread the best gum-stick, for them, 11. How* 
to prepare bread in their food, ibid. Cautions as to giving them 
animal food, ibid. Cautions as to the quantity of the food, ibid. 
Errors in the quality of their food more frequent than in me 
quantity, 12. The food of adults improper for children, ibid. | 
Strong liquors expose them to inflammatory disorders, ibid, \ 
Ill effects of unripe fruit, ibid.: Butter, ibid • Honey, a 

wholesome article of food for them, 13.. The importance 
of exercise to promote their growth and strength, ibid. Rules 
for their exercise, 14. Poverty of parents occasions their 
neglect of children, ibid. The utility of exercise demonstrated 
from the organical structure of children* 15. Philosophical argu¬ 
ments shewing the necessity of exercise, ibid. Ought not to be 
sent to school too soon, ibid . Nor be put too soon to labour, 17. 
Dancing an excellent exercise for them, ibid. The cold bath,! 8. 
Want of wholesome air destructive to children, ibid.. To wrap 
them, up close in cradles pernicious, 19. Are treated like plants 
in a hot-house, ibid . The usual faulty conduct of nurses pointed 
out, 20. Are crammed with cordials by indolent nurses, ibid. 
Eruptions ignorantly treated by nurses, 21. Loose stools, the 
proper treatment of, ibid. Every method ought to be taken to 
make them strong and hardy, 22. Indications of the small-pox in, 
126. 

Chincough,. See Cough. 

Cholera morbus, the disorder defined, with its causes and symptoms, 
181. Medical treatment, ibid. 

Churches, the several circumstances that render the air in, unwhole¬ 
some, 45. 


Churching of zoomen,. after lying in, a dangerous custom, 315 : 
Church-yards, the bad consequences of having them in large towns, 45. 
Cities, large, the air in, contaminated by various means, 45. The 
bad effect!* of burying the dead in, ibid. Houses ought to be- 
ventilated daily ibid. The danger attending small apartments, 46. 
All who can ought to sleep in the country, ibid. Disorders that 



large foivns are peculiarly hurtful to, ibid. Cleanliness not suffi¬ 
ciently attended to in, 59. Should be supplied with plenty of wa¬ 
ter 62, nole. The best means to guard against infection in, 64. 
Clare, Mr. his method of applying saline preparations of mercury 
in venereal cases, 298 

Cleanliness , am important article of attention in the dress of children, 
9 ; and tosedentaqy artists, 31. Finery in dress often covers dirt, 
54. Is necessary to health, 59. 'Disorders originating from the 
want ol, ibid. Is not sufficiently attended to in large towns, ibid. 
Nor by country peasants, 60. Great attention paid to, by the 
ancient' Romans, ibid, nole. ^Necessity of consulting cleanliness 
in camps, ibid Was the principal object of the whole system 
% of the Jewish laws, 6l. Is a great part of the religion of the 
Eastern countries, ibid. Bathing and washing greatly condu¬ 
cive to health, ibid. Cleanliness peculiarly necessary on board 
of ships, ibid . and to the sick, ibid. General remarks on, 62. 
Many disorders may be cured by cleanliness alone, 82. The want 
of, a very general cause of putrid fevers, 114. Is a great preserva¬ 
tive against venereal infection, 301 ; and against galling in infants* 
320. Cutaneous disorders proceed from a want of, 383. 

Clergy, exhorted to remove popular prejudices against inoculation* 
135. Might do great good by undertaking the practice of it 
themselves, 138. 

Clothing , the only natural use of, 6. TI\at of children, has be¬ 
come a secret art, ibid, Ought to be fastened on infants with 
strings instead of pins, 8. Pernicious consequences or stay--', 9. 
Importance of cleanliness to children, ibid. The due Quantity of, 
dictated by the climate, .53. Slrouid be increased in the decline 
of life, ibid, and adapted to the seasons, ibid. Is often hurtful 
by being made subservient to the purposes of vanity, 54. Perni¬ 
cious consequences of adempting to mend the shape by dress, 
ibid. Stays, ibid. Shoes, ibid. Garters, buckles* and other 
bandages, ibid. The perfection of, to be easy and clean, ibid. 
General remarks on, ibid. Wet, the danger of, and how to guard 
against it, 75. 

Clysters, proper in an inflammation of the stomach. 170. And in ati 
inflammation of the intestines, 171. Of tobacco smoke, its effica- 
cy in procuring a stool, 175, note. Of chicken broth salutary in 
the cholera morbus , 3 81. Their Use in suppression of urine, fS9. 
Ought to be frequently administered in the puerperal fever, 314* 
Of tobacco* to excite a vomit, 352. Of tobacco fumes, to stimu¬ 
late the intestines, 355. The general intention of, 407. Prepa¬ 
ration of the emollient clyster, ibid. Laxative clyster, ibid. 
Carminative clyster, ibid. Oily clyster, ibid. Starch clyster, ibid. 
Turpentine clyster, 40.8, Vinegar clyster, ibid. 

Ccdiacpassion, proper treatment for, 205. 

Coffee berries recommended in the stone, 192. 

Cold, extreme, its effects on the human frame, 358. The sudden 
application of heat dangerous in such cases, 359. How to reco¬ 
ver frozen or benumbed limbs, ibid. 

Cold Bath See Baik. 

Colds, frequently occasioned by imprudent changes of clothes at th t 


N D E X. 


first approaches of summer, 53, note. Various causes of, speem- 


i x 


THcir geneci.! 


on, 

symptoms oh apf 


trim 


causes, 161. Proper regimen on tin; 
169. Danger of neglecting the disor¬ 


der, 163. /The chief', secret for avoiding, -ibid. 

Colic, different specie. of, 173. Medical treatment of according to 
their species and cause's, 174 Bilious colic, ibid. Hysteric colic, 
175. Nervous colic, ibid. Cautions necessary to guard against 
th«* nervous colic, 176. 'General advice in colics, ibid. 

CoUyria. ’ See Fye-waters, , 

Commerced ten 'imports infections disorders, 63. Means suggested (o 
guard'against this dance*, ibid. note. 

t~y ' . , 

Confections often very needlessly compounded, 409* Preparation of 
the Japonic confection, ibid. 

Conserves and Preserves, general remarks on, and their composition, 
409, Of red roses, 410. Of sloes, ibid. Candied orange-peel 
ibid. , . / - . • . , • 

* Constitution, good'or Tad, the foundation of generally laid during m- 
fancy, ~T. 

^Consumptions, the increase of this disorder muv be attributed to hard 
drinking, 57. Who most liable to, and its causes, i 02. Symptoms, 
104.. Regimen, ibid. Riding, ibid. Much benefit to be expec¬ 
ted from going a long voyage, 105. -Travelling, ibid: \C\ief, 
ibid. Great efficacy of milk in, ibid. Medical treatment, 

---——Nervous, defined, and the persons most liable to, 109. 

Proper treatment V, 110. 

--—— SymptomrCic, the treatment of, must be dirCcied to the 

producing cause, 110. 

ConvufAioriSy 'why hew-born in fan's are so liable to, 8. Those pre¬ 
ceding the eruption in the small-pox favourable symptoms, 127. 
The general causes of 329. Proper treatment of, ibid. Extraor¬ 
dinary recovery of ah infant eernsngiy killed by, 366. Farther 
instructidhsin like cases, ibid. 

’Cook, Capthin, the circumnavigator, his means of preserving the 
health ‘of his men, <2$\ rote. 

Cookery, the arts of, render many things unwholesome, that are ntft 
naturally so, 39. Roasting meat, a wasteful mode of, 391. 

'Ctird'-'ch, ought not to be givo?i :e infants. ]0. Are the common 
refuge of nurses who neglect cieir duty 10 'children, 20c Are 
often fatal in ah inflammation of f he ?.U mach, 16.9. When good 
in the colic, 173. Ought not to be given to a pregnant woman 
during labour 311. 

O * . ' ' v ■* - 

Corn, damaged, will produce the nn'rid fever, 115; 

Corns in the feet are occasioned bv wearing light shoes, 54. 

Corteyr, See I'ark-. 

CwtivenefS; a frequent recourse to ifte Heines for the prevention of 
injurious to the - onstitution, 72. I, aiher to be removed by diet 
than by f • gs. ibid. Is- . enerd caul's and ill effects, 241.’ Re¬ 
gimen, ibid. Remedies for, 24-2. 

Cow*h, the ni >per remedies for, 154. A plaster of Burgundy pitch 
laid between the shou lers an excellent remedy for, ibid. The 
stomach cough, and cough of the lungs, distinguished, 16T 
Treatment for the nervous cough, ibid. 

O * 




I N D E X-. 

Cough, hooping, wbo most liable to, with its disposing cause*, ]€£. 
Remedies, 167. Is infectious 2 bid. Vomits, their use, and how 
to administer them to children, ibid. Garlic ointment, a good re¬ 
medy for, 168. 

Cough, phthisical, incident to sedentary artificers, from their breath* 
ing confined air, 29. 

Cradles , on many accounts hurtful to children, 19, 

Cramp, proper remedies for, 262. 

Cramp of thesto?nach, who most subject to, ‘255. Medical treatment 
of, ibid. 

Crotchets , how to use for extracting substances detained in the glib* 
let, 352, 

Croup in children , described, 32k Its symptoms and proper treat* 
ment, ibid. 

Cyder, the ill consequences of making it too weak, 41. 

DANCING, an excellent kind of exercise for young persons, 17. 

Dauens sylvestris, See Car rot. 

Deafness, when a favourable symptom in the putrid fever, 116, note. 
Methods of cure, according to its causes, 269. 

Death, the evidences of, sometimes fallacious, and ought not to be 
too soon credited, 350, et seq. The means to be used for the re¬ 
covery of persons from, nearly the same in all cases, 367. 

Decoctions, general remarks on, 410. Preparation of the decoction 
of althea, ibid. Common decoction, 411. Of logwood, ibid. 
Of bark, ibid. C ora pound decoction of bark, ibid. Of sarsapa¬ 
rilla, ibid. Of ser.eka, 412. White decoction, ibid. 

Deformity, often occasioned by the injudicious manner of dressing 
children, 6, Is seldom found among savage nations, ibid . The 
usual causes of, explained, ibid. 

Dezcs, night, dangerous to health, 75. 

Diabetes, who most liable to this disorder, 186. Its causes and 
symptoms, 187. Regimen, and medical treatment, ibid. Distin~ 
guished from incontinency of urine, 188, 

Diarrhoea. See Looseness. 

Diet, will often answer all the indications of cure in diseases, 81. 
Illustrations, 82. General observations or, 377. Improper di¬ 
et affects the mind as well as the bod}', 378. Vegetable ought 
to preponderate over animal food-, ibid See Aliment. 

Digestion, (he powersof, equally impaired by repletion or inanition, 42. 

Diseases, hereditary, cautions to perrons afflicted with, 5, Peculiar 
disorders attending particular occupations, 22. Many of them 
infectious, 62. The knowledge of, depends more upon experi¬ 
ence and observation, than upon scientiflcal principles, 80. Are 
to be distinguished by the most obvious and permanent symptoms, 
ibid. The differences of sex, age, and constitution, to be con¬ 
sidered, ibid. Of the mind, to be distinguished from those of the 
body, 81. Climate, situation, and occupa ion, to be-attended 
to, ibid. Other collateral circumstances, ibid. Many indica¬ 
tions of cure, to be answered bv diet alone, ibid. Cures often 
‘effected by fresh air, by exercise, or by cleanliness, 82. Ner¬ 
vous diseases, of a complicated nature, and difficult to ctlre, 245. 

P 3 


" Dislocations, should be reduced before the swelling and inflamrri&~ 
lion come on, and how, 341. Of the jaw, 3 k?. Of the neck, 
34-3. Of the ribs, ibid. Of the shoulder, ibid. Of the elbow* 
ibid. Of the thigh, 344. Of the knees, ancles, and toes, 345. 

Diuretic infusion for the Dropsy, how to prepare, 220. 

T>)g, symptoms of madness in, 273. Ought to be carefully preser¬ 
ved after biting any person, to ascertain whether he is mad or 
not, ibid. Is often reputed mad, when he is n6t so, ibid. Symp¬ 
toms of the bite of a mad dog, 279. The poison cannot lie ma¬ 
ny years dormant in the body, as is supposed, ibid. Dr. Mead's 
recepie for the bite, ibid. The famous East Indian specific for, 
230. Other recipes, ibid. Vinegar of considerable service in 
this disorder, 281. Medical course of treatment, reeommended> 
ibid. Regimen, ibid. Dipping in the sea not to be relied on, ibid. 
Dr.TissoPs medical course for the cure of the hydrophobia, 282. 
Remarks on the Ormskirk medicine, ibid, note. 

Doses of medicines, the relative proportions of for different ages, 401. 

Drams ought to be avoided by persons afflicted with nervous disor¬ 
ders, 245. 

Draught, is the proper form for such medicines as are intended for 
immediate operation, 412. How to prepare the anodyne draught, 
ibid. Diuretic draught, 413. Purging draught, ibid. Sweating 
draught, ibid. Vomiting diaught, ibid. 

Dress. See Clothing. 

Drinking, persons who are seldom intoxicated may nevertheless 
injure their constitutions by, 57. The habit of drinking frequent¬ 
ly originates from misfortunes, 58. Frequently destrovs the pow¬ 
ers of the mind, ibid. Persons often forced to it by mistaken 
hospitality, ibid, note. Leads to other vices, ibid. 

Dropsy, the several distinctions of, with its causes, 218. Symp¬ 
toms, 219. Regimen, ibid. Medical treatment, 220. Tapping 
a sale and simple operation, 221. 

Dropsy of the brain. See Water in the head. 

Drowned persons, ought not to be rashly given up for dead, 354. 
Proper trials for the recovery of, ibid. Endeavours ought not to 
be suspended upon the first returns of life, 356. Success of the 
Amsterdam society for the recovery of, 366. 

Drunkenness. See Intoxication. 

Dumb persons, may be taught to read, write, and discourse, 26S, 

note. 

Dysentery, where, and when most prevalent, 201. Its causes and 
, sypmptoms, 202. Regimen, ibid. Fruit, ore of the best remedies 
.for, 203. broper drink for, 204. Medical treatment, ibid . 
Cautions to prevent a re'apse, 205. 

LAR, the several injuries it is liable to, 263. Deafness, medical 
treatment of, according to its causes, 269. Ought not to be tam¬ 
pered with, ibid. 

Ear-ach, iLs causes, and proper treatm^t for, 210. How to drive 
insects out of, 2 i I. 

Education of etiiidrcn , should be begun at home by the parents, 15, 
.note. That of girls hurtful to their constitution, 16. 
i filurcia, putrid, will occasion the spotted lever, 114, 




I N D E X. 


Electricity, beneficial in the palsy, 251. 

Electuaries, general rules for making;, 413. Preparation of lenitive - 
electuar}', 414. Electuary for the clysenterv. ibid. For the epi¬ 
lepsy, ibid. For the gonorrhoea, ibid. Of the bark, 415. For 
the piles, ibid. For the palsy, ibid. For the rheumatism, ibid. 

Elixir, paregoric, how to prepare, 435. Sacred elixir, ibid. Sto¬ 
machic elixir, 436. Acid elixir of vitriol, ibid. 

Emulsions, their use, 415. Preparation of the common emulsion, 
ibid. Arabic emulsion, ibid. Camphorated emulsion, ibid. 
Emulsion of gum ammoniac, 416. Oily emulsion, ibid. 

Engleman, Di\ his account of the German method of recovering per¬ 
sons from fainting fits, 361 v 

Entrails, See Intestines. 

Epilepsy, the disorder defined, 252. Its causes and symptoms, ibid* 
Due regimen, 253. JVledical treatment, ibid. 

Eruptoins in children often free them from bad humours, but are 
mistaken and ill-treated by nurses, 21. Ought never to be stop- 
ped without proper advice, ibid. In fevers, how to be treated-, 
113. 118. 121. 122. In the small pox, 126. 127- In children, 
the causes of, 322. How to cure, 323. 

Erysipelas, a disorder incident to the laborious 25. Its causes ex¬ 
plained, and who most subject to it, 145. 146. Its symptoms, ibid . 
.Regimen, ibid. Medical treatment, 147. The scorbutic erysi- 
las, 14 8. Instructions for those who are subject to this disor¬ 
der, ibid. 

Evacuations of the human body, the principal, specified, 71. By 
stool, ibid. Urine, 73. Perspiration, 74. 

Exercise, the importance of, to promote the growth and strength ©£ 
children, 13. All young animals exert their organs of motion as 
soon as they are able, ibid. The utility of, proved from anatomi¬ 
cal considerations, 15. And from philosophical deductions, ibid. 
Military exercise recommended for boys, 16. Benefits of danc¬ 
ing, 17. Is better for sedentary persons under lowness of spi¬ 
rits, than the tavern, 31. Gardening the best exercise for the 
sedentary, ibid. Violent, ought not to be taken immediately af¬ 
ter a full meal, 36. Is as necessary as food for the preservation 
of health, 4S. Our love of activity, an evidence of its utility, ibid. 
Indolence relaxes the solids. Hid. The indulgence .of carriages 
as absurd as pernicious, ibid. Is almost the only cure for glandu¬ 
lar obstructions, ibid. Will prevent and remove those disorders 
that medicine cannot cure, 49. Is the best cure for complaints in 
the stomach, 50. How to be taken within doors, when not to 
be done in the open air, ibid . Active sports better than sedentary 
amusements, ibid. The golf, a better exercise than cric ket, ibid, 
note.. Exercise should not be extended to fatigue, ibid.. Isas 
necessary for the mind as for the body, 69. Is often of more 
efficacy than any medicine whatever, 82 The best mode of tak¬ 
ing it in a consumption, 104. Is of the greatest importance in a 
dropsy, 220. Muscular, for the gout, 225. Is necessary for the 
asthmatic, 238. Is superior to all medicine in nervous disorders, 
247. And in the palsy, 252, Is proper for pregnant women. 



I N D F, X. 


Unless they are of a very delicate texture, 310*. Want cf, the- 
Occasion of rickets in children, 327. 

Extracts, general rules for making; but are more conveniently put* 
chased rea ty made, 416. 

Eyes, inflammation of, its general causes, 151. Symptoms, 152.. 
Medical treatment, ibid. How to be treated when it proceeds 
from a scrophu'ous habit, 154. Advice to those who are subject 
to this complaint, ibid. Are subject to manv diseases which are 
(difficult to cure, ‘266. The means by which tnev are frequently 
injured, ibid*. General means of prevention, ibid. The seven! 
disorders of, with their medical treatment, 267. 

Eye waters, general remarkson, and their principal intentions, 408. 
Collyrium of alum, ibid. Vitriolic coliyrium, ibid , Coilyriunv 
of lead, 409.. 

FAINTING-FITS , how to cure, 257, 360. Cautions to persons 

subject to them, 362. 

Falling sickness. See Epilepsy . 

Fasting, long,, injurious to those who labour hard, 25. Is hurtful 
both to old and young, 43. 

Fathers, culpably inattentive to the management of their children, 3. 
Their irregular lives often injure the constitution of their chil¬ 
dren. 5. 

Fear, the influence of very great, in occasioning and aggravating 
diseases, 66._ Its various operations, 67. 

Feet, injured by wearing tight shoes, 54. The washing of, an 
agreeable article of cleanliness, 61. Wet, the danger of, 75. 
Bathing them in warm water, a good remedy in acold, 163. And 
in the hooping-cough, 163. 

Fermentation , the vapour of liquors in a state of, noxious, 357. 

Fevers , of a bad kind, often occasioned among labourers by poor 
Jiving, 26. Frequently attack sedentary persons after hard 
drinking, 31. Nervous, often the consequence of intense study* 
34. Putrid and malignant, often occasioned by want of clean¬ 
liness, 59. The most general causes of,, enumerated, 83. The 
distinguishing symptoms of, ibid. The several species of, 84. 
Is an effort of nature* which ought to be assisted., ibid. How 
this is to be done, 85., Cordials and sweetmeats improper in, 
ibid. Fresh air of great importance in, ibid. The mind of the 
patient ought not to be alarmed with religious terrors, 86. Cau¬ 
tions as to bleeding and sweating in, ibid . Longings in, an ; the 
calls of nature, deserve attention, ibid. Cautions to prevent a 
relapse, 87. 

Fever, acute continual, who most liable to, 93. C tuses, ibid. 
Symptoms, ibid Regimen, ibid. Medical treatment* 95. Symp¬ 
toms favourable and unfavourable,/4H Regimen to be observed 
during recovery, ibid'. 

Fever , bilious, general time of its appearance* 114. Proper treat¬ 
ment of, according to its symptoms, 145. 

Fever, intermitting. See Ague. 

Fever, miliary, from what tile name derived, and its. general ap¬ 
pearances, 129. Wno most liable to if, ibid. Causes, ibid. 
•Symptom;, 121, Regimen, ibidu A ;eouut of a miliary fever at 



INDEX, 


Strasburgh, 122, note. Proper medical treatment, ibid. Cau- 
tions for avoiding this disorder, 123. E|ow to prevent, in child¬ 
bed-women, .313. 

Fever, milk, how occasioned, 313. How to prevent, 315. 

Fever, nervous, why more common now than formerly, and who 
most liable toil, 110. Its causes. 111. Symptoms and proper 
regimen, ibid. Medical treatment, 112. 

Fever, puerperal, or childbed, the time of its attack, and symp¬ 
toms, 313. Medical treatment of, 314. Cautions for the pre¬ 
vention of this fever, 315. 

fever, putrid, is of a pestilential nature, and who most liable to it, 
114. Its general causes, ibid. Symptoms of, 115. Other fevers 
may he converted to this, by improper treatment, 115. Favour¬ 
able and unfavourable symptoms of, ibid. Regimen, ibid. Me¬ 
dical treatment, 118. Cautions for the prevention of this disor¬ 
der, 120. 

Fever, remit ting, derivation of its name, 123. Its causes and symp¬ 
toms, ibid. Proper regimen. 124. Medical treatment, 125. 
Cautions for avoiding this fever, ibid. 

Fever, scarlet, why so named, and its usual season of attack, 143. 
Proper treatment of, 144. Is sometimes attended with putrid and 
malignant symptoms, ibid. Medicines adapted to this stage of 
the malady, ibid. History of a fever of this kind at Edinburgh, 

ibid, notr . 

Fever, secondary, in the small-pox, proper treatment of, 131. 

Flatulencies in the stomach, remedies against, 212. The several 
causes of, 258. Medical treatment of, ibid. 

Flatulent colic, its causes, and seat of the disorder, 173. Remedies 
for, ibid. 

Floiver-de-luce, the yellow water, the root of, recommended for the 
tooth-ach, 209 

Fluor albus described, with its proper treatment, 308. 

Fomentations, how to make and apply, 416. General intentions of, 
ibid. Anodyne fomentation, 417. Aromatic fomentation, ibid. 
Common fomentation, ibid. Emollient fomentation, ibid. 
Strengthening fomentation, ibid. 

Food. See Aliment. 

Forgiveness of injuries, ought to be practised from a regard to our 
own health, 66. 

Fractures. See Bones, broken. 

Frozen limbs, how to recover, 359. 

Fruit, unripe, very hurtful to children, 12. Ripe, one of the best 
medicines, both for the prevention and cure of a dysentery, 203. 
Fruits occasional substitutes for bread, 386 The plantain tree 
used for that purpose in warm climates, 3,87. Yams, a proper 
substitute fir bread in the West-Indies, ibid. 

Funerals, the great number of visitors attending them, dangerous to 
their health, 63. 

GALLING, in infants, the cause and cure of, 323. 

Gangrene, proper treatment of, 334. 

Gardening, a wholesome amusement for sedentary persons, 31. 

Gargles for the throat t how to make, 156, 158, 16.0. General in ten* 





INDEX. 


tions of, 417. Method of making the attenuating gargle, 418* 
Common gargle, ibid. Detergent gargle, ibid. Emollient gar« 
gle, ibid. For the mouth of infants in the thrush, ibid. 

Garlic ointment, a North-British remedy for the hooping-cough, how 
to apply it, 163. 

Generals of ai mies , how they ought to consult the health of the men 
they command, 26. 

Gilders. See Miners. 

Ginger, syrup of. how to prepare, 432. 

Girls, the common mode of education prejudicial to their const!tur 
tion, 16. Means of rectifying it recommended, ibid. 

Gleet, how occasioned, and its symptoms, 291. Method of cure, 
ibid. Regimen, 292. Obstinate gleets cured by mercurial in¬ 
unctions, ibid. How to apply bougies, ibid. 

Glover, Mr his course of treatment for the recovery of a hanged 
man, 365. 

Gonorrhoea, virulent, the nature of, and its symptoms, 286. Regi¬ 
men, 28 7 . Medical treatment, ibid. Is often cured by astrin¬ 
gent injections, ibid. Cooling purges always proper in, ibid. 
Mercury seldom necessary in a gonorrhoea, 289. How to admi¬ 
nister it when needful, ibid. 

Goulard , M. preparation of his celebrated extract of Saturn, 437. 
His various applications of it, ibid. 

Gout, the general causes of, 3.3. How to treat a looseness occa¬ 
sioned by repelling it from the extremities, 183. The sources of 
this disorder, and-its symptoms, 222. Regimen for, 223. Wool 
the best external application in, ibid. Why there are so many 
nostrums for, 224. Proper medicines after the fit, ibid. Proper 
regimen in the intervals between fits to keep off their returns, 

225. How to remove it from the nobler parts to the extremities, 

226. General cautions to prevent danger by mistaking it for 
other disorders, ibid. 

Grain, various kind of, when boiled, a good substitute for bread, 
332. The culture of, the culture of man, as it promotes health 
and longevity, 394. No manufacture equal to the manufacture 
of grain, ibid. The scarcity of, occasioned by the number of 
horses, 325. 

Gravel, how formed in the bladder, 74. How distinguished from 
the stone, 132. Causes and symptoms, 190. Regimen, ibid. 
Medical treatment, 191. 

Greensickness , originates in indolence, 305. 

Grief, its effects permanent, and often fatal, 68. Danger of the 
mind dwelling long upon one subject, especially of a disagreea¬ 
ble nature, 69. The mind requires exercise as well as the body, 
ibid. Innocent amusements not to be neglected, 70. Is produc¬ 
tive of nervous diseases, 245. 

Gripes in i)fonts, proper treatment of, 319. 

Guaiacum, gum, a good remedy for the quinsy, 137 ; and the rheu¬ 
matism, 223. 

Gullet, how to remove substances detained in, 351. Cautions for 
the use of crotchets with this intention, ibid. Other mechanical 



INDEX. 

expedients, ibid . Treatment if the obstruction cannot be re¬ 
moved, 352. 

(Sums of childra&i, applications to, during teething, and how to cut 
them, 326. 

Qutta sere'tia, proper treatment of, 267. 

HAlMOPTOE, spitting of blood. See Blood. 

Haemorrhages. See Blood. 

Harrougate neater, an excellent medicine for expelling worms, 215.- 
And for the jaundice, 218. In the scurvy, 231. 

Head-ach , the species of, distinguished, 206. Causes of, 207. Re¬ 
gimen, ibid. Medical treatment, 208. 

Health of the people in general, a proper object of attention for the 
magistrates, vi. Ought to be attended to in matrimonial con¬ 
tracts, 5. Is often laboured for after it is destroyed, 36. Rules 
given by Celsus for the preservation of, 79. 

Heart-burn, the nature of this disorder, with its causes, and reme¬ 
dies for, 244. 

Heat, extreme, how to recover persons overcome by, 359. 

•Hemlock, a good remedy in the king's evil, 234. Is recommended 
by Dr. Storck for the cure of cancers, 274. 

Hemp-seed , a decoction of, good in the jaundice, and how to prepare 
it, 218. 

Hiccup, its causes, and method of treatment, 254. 

Hoffman, his rules for guarding child-bed women against the miliary 
fever, 313. 

Honey, a wholesome article of food for children, 13. Is recom¬ 
mended in the stone, 192. 

Hooping-cough. See Cough. 

Horse-radish, the chewing of, will restore sensibility to the organs 
of taste when injured, 271. 

Hospitals, the want of fresh air in, more dangerous to the patients 
than their disorders, 47. Cleanliness peculiarly necessary in, 61. 
Often spread infection by being situated in the middle of popu¬ 
lous towns, 64. How they might be rendered proper recepta¬ 
cles for the sick, 65. Particularly in infectious disorders, ibid. The 
sick in, ought not to be crowded together, 128, note. 

Houses, instead of contrivances to make them close and warm, 
ought (o be regularly ventilated, 45. In marshy situations un¬ 
wholesome, 47. Ought to be built in a dry situation, 77. Dan¬ 
ger of inhabiting new-built houses before thoroughly dry, ibid. 
Are often rendered damp by unseasonable cleanliness, ibid. Are 
dangerous when kept too close and hot, 79. 

Husbandmen , the peculiar disorders they are exposed to, from the 
vicissitudes of the weather, 2+. 

Huxham, Dr. recommends the study of the dietetic part of medi¬ 
cine, vii. 

Hydrocephalus. See Drosy . 

Hydrophobia, Dr. Tissot’s method of curing, 282. 

hydrops pectoris. See Dropsy. 

Hypochondriac affections, frequently produced by intense study, 3 k 
Their causes, and who most subject to them, 263. The general 
intentions of cure, ibid. Regimen, 265. 




I N D E X. 


Hysteric^, a. disorder produced by the hH itual use of tea, 39. Oe* 
11 eral causes of, 261. Symptoms, ibid. Proncr treatment of, 
ibid. Regimen, 262. Medicines adapted to, ibid. 

Hysteric colic, s\mpt< nv and treatment of, 175. 

JAILS, why maligantfevers are often generated in them, 45. Often 
spread an infection by being situated in tire middle of populous 
towns, 64. Ought to be removed, 65. 

Jenin , M. his relauon of the recovery of an overlaid infant, 365. 
And of a man who had hanged himself, ibid. . 

Jaundice, the different stages of its appearance, with the causes of 
this disorder, 216, 217. Symptoms and regimen, ibid. Medical 
treatment, ibid. 

Jesuits bark. See Berk. 

Jews, the whole system of their laws tending to promote cleanli¬ 


ness, 6 i. .~ 

JHac passion, a particular kind of inflammation in the intestines, 170. 

Jmposifmme in the breast, in consumptions-, how to make it break in¬ 
wardly, when not to be discharged by other means, 109. I-m- 
posthumes after the small-pox, proper treatment of, 133. 

Jnccmtinency of urine > distinguished from a diabetes, 1S8. Experi¬ 
ment for relief, ibid. 

Indigestion, is one consequence of intense study, 34. General 
causes, and remedies for, 243. 

Indolence, its bad effects on the constitution, 48. Occasions glan¬ 
dular obstructions, ibid. J11 consequences of too much indul¬ 
gence in bed, 49. Is the parent of vice, 51. Cause of most ner¬ 
vous disorders, 245. 

Infancy , the foundation of a good or bad constitution, generally 
laid in this season of life, 1. 

Infunts , nearly one half of tho«e born in Great-Britain die under 
twelve years of age, 1. Perish mostly by art , ibid. Ought not 
to be suckled by delicate women, ibid. Importance of their be¬ 
ing nursed by their mothers, 2. Often lose their lives, or become 
deformed, by errors in cloathing them, 6. How the aft of ban¬ 
daging them became the province of the midwife, ibid. How 
treated in Africa, 7, note. Philosophical observations on their 
organical structure, and on the causes of deformity, ibid. Why 
they so frequently die of convulsions, 8. Why exposed to fe¬ 
vers, ibid. And colds, ibid. Rules for their dress, 9. Their 
food, ib/d. Reflections on the many evils they are exposed to, 
316. Why their first disorders are in their bowels, 317. How 
to cleanse their bowels, ibid. The meconium, 318. Thrush, 
ibid. Acidities, 319. Gripes, ibid. Galling and excoriations, 
320. Stoppage of the nose, ibid. Vomiting, 321.' Looseness 
ibid. Eruptions, 322. Scabbed heads, 323. Chilbains, ibid . 
Hie croup, 324. Teething, 325. Rickets, 327. Convulsions, 
329. Water in the head, 330. How to recover infants seem¬ 
ingly dead, 362. Ought never to sleep in the same beds with 
their mothers or nurses, 364, note. Case of the recovery of an 
■overlaid infant, ibid. Case of an infant seemingly killed by a 
strong convulsion fit, and recovered, 366. See Children. 

Injection , the danger of, incurred by injudicious or unnecessary at- 


INDEX. 


tendance on the sick, 62. And on funerals, 63. Is often Com¬ 
municated by clothes, ibid. Is frequently imported* ibid. Is 
spread by hospitals and jails being situated in the middle of po¬ 
pulous towns, 6 k How to prevent infection in sick chambers, ibid. 
Physicians liable to spread infection, ibid, note. In what respects 
tlie spreading of infection might be checked by the magistrate 
55. Bleeding and purging increase the danger of, by debilita#- 
ing the body, 120. Small-pox, 126. Of the small-pox may be 
received again, 123, note. 

Inflammations, how the laborious part of mankind expose them¬ 
selves to, 25-. Proper treatment of, 331. 

Inflammation of the bladder. See Bladder. 

■ -of the brain, 'See Brain. 

— -of the eyes. See Ly'cs. 

--of the intestines. See Intestines, 

----— bf the kidneys. See Kidneys. 

-of the liver. See Liver. 

■ -of the lungs. See Fcripncumotty. 

— -of the stomach. See Stojnach. 

--— of the throat. See Huinrey. 

— --of the womb. See Womb. 

Infusions, advantages of, over decoctions, 415. How to obtain 
rich infiision from weak vegetables, ibid. Preparation of the bit¬ 
ter infusion, 419. Infusion of the bark, ibid. Infusion of car- 
'duus, ibid. Of linseed, ibid. Of roses, ibid. Of tamarinds, and 
senna, 420. Spanish infusion, ibid. For the palsy, ibid. 

Inn *, the great danger of meeting with damp beds in them* 76. 
The sheets in, how treated to save washing, ibid. 

Inoculation of the small pox, more favourably received here than in 
neighbouring countries, 133. Cannot, prove of general utility 
while kept in the hands of a few, ibid-. No mystery in the 
process, ibid. May safely be performed by parents or nurses, 134. 
Various methods of doing it, ibid. The clergy exhorted to re¬ 
move the prejudices against the operation, 135. Arguments cit¬ 
ed from Dr. Mackenzie in favour of inoculation, ibid, note. Ought 
to be rendered universal, 136. Means of extending the practice 
of, 137. Two obstacles to the progress of, stated, 138; Might be 
performed by clergymen, or by parents themselves, ibid. The 
proper seasons and age for performing it, 139. Will often mend 
the habit of body , 140. Necessary preparation and fegimen for, ibid. 

Insects, when they creep into the ear, how to force them out, 211* 
Poisonous, the bites of, how to be treate !, 283. 

Intemperance, one great cause of the diseases of seamen, 27. The 
danger of, argued from the construction of the human body, 55. 
The analogy in the nourishment of plants and animals, ibid. Is 
the abuse of natural passions, 56. In diet, ibid. In hquor and car¬ 
nal pleasures, ibid, The bad consequences of, involve whole fa¬ 
milies, ibid. Effects of drunkenness on the constitution, ibid. 
Persons who seldom get drunk, may nevertheless injure their con¬ 
stitutions by drink, 57. The habit of drinking frequently accmir* 

Q 3 ed 















7 N D E X. 


ed under misfortunes, 58. Is peculiarly hurtful to young persons, 
ibid. Leads to ail other vices, ibid. 

. Iritermiting Jever. See Ague. 

Intestines, inflammation of, general causes from whence it proceeds* 
170. The symptoms, regimen, and medical treatment, 171. 
Cautions to guard against it, 173. 

Intoxication produces a fever, 57. Fatal consequences of a daily re¬ 
petition of this vice, ibid. Persons who seldom get drunk, may 
nevertheless injure their constitution bv drinking, ibid, Getting 
drunk, a hazardous remedy for a cold, 162. Often produces fatat 
effects, 332. Proper cautions for treating persons in liquor, 363. 
The safest drink after a debauch, ibid. Remarkable case, ibid . 

T ohnson, Dr. extraordinary recovery of an infant feemingly killed by 
a strong convulsion fit, related by, 366. 

Issues, how to make them take the best effect, *250. 

Itch, the nature and symptoms of this disease described, 235. Sul¬ 
phur, the best remedy against, ibid. Great danger of the injudi- 
dicious use of mercurial preparations for, 23 6. Cleanliness the 
best preservative against, ibid, note. 

Juleps, the form of, explained, 420. Preparation of the camphorat¬ 
ed julep, ibid. Cordial julep, ibid. Epectorating julep, 421. 
Musk julep, ibid. Saline ]w\ep y ibid. Vomiting julep, ibid. 

KERMIS MINERAL, recommended by Dr. Duplanil, for the 
hooping-cough, 168, note. 

Kidneys, inflammation of, its general causes, ‘176. Its symptoms 
and proper regimen, 177 Medical treatment, ibid. Where it 
proceeds from the stone and gravel, ibid. Cautions for those sub¬ 
ject to this disorder, 178. See Gravel. 

"King's Evils. See Scroplmta. 

LABORIOUS EMPLOYMENTS, the peculiar disorders incident to, 
24. I'he folly of men emulating each other in trials of strength, 
ibid. Disadvantages attending their diet, ibid. How they expose 
themselves to inflammations, 25. Danger of sleeping in the sun, 
ibid. Long fasting hurtful to them, ibid. Injuries arising from 
poor living, 26. Many of the diseases of labourers, not only occa¬ 
sioned but aggravated, by poverty, ibid. 

Labour should not be imposed too^early on children, !7. 

■Labour in child-bed, medical advice for, 311. Inconveniencies of 
collecting a number of women at, ibid. note. 

Laudanum, its efficacy in fits of an ague, 8 S, note. How to be, ad¬ 
ministered in a cholera morbus 182. In a looseness, iS3. Ina 
diabetes, 188. When proper for the head-ach, 208. Howto 
apply, for the tooth-ach, 209. Will ease pain in the gout, 224-. 
How to administer for the cramp in the stomas h, 2 55. Is good for 
flatulencies, 25S. Effects of an over-dose of, 277. Medical treat¬ 
ment in this case, ibid. 

Leading-strings, injurious to young children, 14. 

Leaches, may he successfully applied to inflamed testicles. 293. note. 
And to disperse buboes, 294, note. Are proper to apply to chil¬ 
dren where inflammations appear in teething, 326. Objections t<* 
bleeding with them, 332. 

Leeks, a proper ingredient in soups, 390. 


UN. D . E X. 


jfemons. See Granges. 

Leprosy, why less frequent in this country now than formerly, 232. 
Requires the same treatment as the scurvy, ibid. 

Lientery, proper treatment for, 205. 

Life may frequently be restored, when the appearances of it are sus¬ 
pended by sudden casualties, 349- 

Lightning, personss apparently killed by, might possibly be recover¬ 
ed by the use of proper means, 367 

Lime-water recommended to prevent gravel in the kidneys from de¬ 
generating (o the stone in.the bladder, 19J. Js a good remedy 
for worms, 215. Happy .effects of, in the cure ofobstinate ulcers, 
340. 

Lind, Dr. his prescription to abate fits of an ague, 38, vote. His 
directions for treatment of patients under putrid remitting fevers, 
124, note. 

Liniment for burns, preparation of, 424* White liniment, ibid. 
For the piles, ibid. . Volatile liniment, 425. 

Liquors, strong, expose children to inflammatory disorders, 12. Fer¬ 
mented, the qualities' of, examined, 40. The bad consequences 
of making them too weak, 41. Why all families ought to prepare 
their own liquors, ibid. Cold, the danger of. drinking, when a 
person is hot, 78. 

Liver, schirrous, produced by sedentary . emplo , ments, 33* 

Liver, inflammation of, its causes and symptoms, 79. R.egimen and 
medical treatment, 180, Abscess in, how to be treated, ibid. 
Cautions in the event of a schirrous being formed, ibid. 

Lobelia, an American plant used by the natives in the venereal dis¬ 
ease, 299. 

Lochia, a suppression of, how, to, be treated, 312. 

Longings, in diseases, are the calls of nature, and often point out 
what may be of real use, 86. 

Looseness, habitual, general directions foi persons subject to, 72. Its 
general causes, 182. A periodical looseness ought never to be 
stopped, 183. Medical treatment of, according to its various 
causes ibid. Means of che< king it when necessary, ibid. In 
children, proper treatment of, 322, 

Love, why perhaps the strongest ot all the passions, 70-.* Is not ra» 
pid in its progress, and may therefore be guarded against at its 
commencement, ibid. To.pretend to it for amusement, cruelty 
to the object, ibid. Children often real martyrs between incli¬ 
nation and duty, ibid, note. 

Lues, confirmed, symptoms of, 297. Mercury the only certain re¬ 
medy known in Europe for this disease, ibid Saline prepara¬ 
tions of mercury more efficacious than the ointment, 298. How 
to administer corrosive sublimate, ibid. American method ot 
curing this disease, 299. 

Lungs, injured by artists working in bending postures, 80. Studi¬ 
ous persons liable to consumptions of, 33. 

Luxury, highly injurious to the organs ot taste and smell, 2/0. 

MACKENZIE, Dr. his. arguments in favour of. inoculating in the 
small-pox, 136, note. 

Mad dog , See Dog,. 



INDEX. 


]\Iagne$ia alba, a remedy for the hearUburn, 244. Is the best medi* 
cine in ail cases of acidity, 319.^ 

Magnets, artificial, their reputed virtue in the tooth-ach, 210. 

Malt liquors, hurtful in the asthma, 237. See Beer. 

Man, why inferior to brutes in the management of his young,.1. 
Was never intended to be idle, 48. 

Manufactures, the growth of, produced the rickets in children, 13. 
More favourable to riches than to health, 1 /. Some, injurious 
to health by confining artists in unwholesome air, 22. Cautions 
to the workmen, 23. Compared with agriculture, 29. Are 
injurious to health from artists being crowded together, ibid. 
And from their working in confined postures, ibid. Cautions 
offered to sedentary artists, 31. Sedentary arts better suited to 
women than to men, 49, note. 

Matrimony ought not tobecontracted without adue attention to health 
and form, 5 

Mead, Dr. his famous recipe for the bite of a mad dog, 280. His 
character as a physician, ibid. note. 

Meals ought to be taken at regular times, 42. Reasons for this uni- 
formily, ibid. 

Measles, have great affinity with the small-pox. 140 Cause and 
symptoms, 141 Proper regimen and medicine, 142. Inocula¬ 
tion of, might prove very salutary, 143, note. 

Mechanics ought to employ their leisure hours in gardening, 32. 

Meconium , the best mode of expelling it, 10, 318. 

Medicine, the origin of the art of, vii. The operation of, doubtful 
at best, viii. Is made a mystery of, by its professors, x. The 
study of, neglected by gentlemen, ibid This ignorance lays men 
open to pretenders, xi Ought to be generally understood, ibid % 
A diffusion of the knowledge of, would destroy quackery, xiii. 
Objections to the cultivat ion of medical knowledge answered, xiv. 
The theory of, can never supply the want of experience and ob¬ 
servation, 80. 

Medicines have more virtue attributed to them than they deserve, SI, 
Ought not to be administered by the ignorant, nor without cau¬ 
tion, 83. Want of preseverance in the use of, one reason, why 
chronic diseases are so seldom cured, 228. Many retained, which 
owe their reputation (o credulity, 398. Are multiplied and com¬ 
pounded in proportion to ignorance of the causes and nature of 
diseases, ibid. Disadvantages of compounded medicines, ibid. 
Are often adulterated for the sake of colour, 399. The relative 
proportions of doses of, for different ages, 401. A list of medi¬ 
cal preparations as ought to be kept for private practice, 402. 

Melancholy , religious, its effects, 78. Leads to suicide, ibid. De¬ 
fined, with its causes, 248. Symtoms and regimen, 249. Me¬ 
dical treatment, ibid. 

Menstrual discharge in women, the commencement and decline of, 
the most critical period of their lives, 304. Confinement injurir 
ous to growing young women, ibid ; and tight lacing for a fine 
shape, 305. Symploms of the first appearance of this discharge, 
300:' Objects of attention in regimen at this time, ibid. Ought 
w be restorer! whenever unnaturally obstructed, and how, ibid. 


INDEX. 


When an obstruction proceeds from another malady, the first 
cause is to be removed, 307. Treatment under a redundancy of 
the discharge, ibid. Regimen, and medicine proper at the final 
decline of the menses, 308, 

Mercury may be given in desperate cases of an inflammation of the 
intestines, 172. Cautions for administering it, ibid, note. Great 
caution necessary in using mercurial preparations for the itch, 230. 
Is seldom necessary in a gonorrohrea, 289. How to administer it 
when needful in that disorder, ibid. Solution of mercury, how to 
make, 290, note. Is the only certain remedy known in Europe fir 
the cure of a confirmed lues, 297 Saline preparations of, more 
efficacious than the mercurial oinment, 298. How to administer 
corrosive sublimate in venereal cases, ibid . Necessary cautions i.u 

, ' j 

the use of merc ury, 300. Proper seasons for entering on a course 
of, ibid. Preparations for, ibid. Regimen under a course of, 301. 

jyfezereon root, a powerful assistant in venereal cams, 2.99. 

Midzvifery, ought not to he allowed to he practised by any woman 
not properly qualified, 311, note. 

Midwives, historical view of the profession, 6. How they became 
intrusted with the care of bandaging infants, with the ill effec ts of 
their attempts at dexterity in this office, ibid. Instances of their 
rashness and officious ingnorance, 314, note. 31 (5, note. 

Miliary Fever. See Fever. 

Military exercise recommended for hoys to practise, 16. 

Milk, that of the mother, the most natural food for an infant, 9. Cows 
milk, better unboiled than boiled, 10. Is a good antidote against 
the scurvy, 39, Of more value in consumptions than the whole 
Mate) ia Medica, 105. Its great efficacy in the i curvy, 23 L A milk 
diet proper both for men and women, in casesof barrenness, 315, 

Milk fever. See Fever. 


Millipedes, how to administer for the hooping-cough, 168. 

Jl'Jind, diseases of, to be distinguished from those of the body, 8K 
See Passions. 

Miners, exposed to injuries from unwholesome air, and mineral par¬ 
ticles, 23. Cautions to, ibid, 

Mineral wafers, the danger of drinking them in too large quantities, 
187. Are of considerable service in weaknesses of the stomach, 
243. Cautions concerning the drinking of, 372. 

Mixtures, general remaiks on this form of medicine, 421 Compo¬ 
sition of the astringent mixture, ibid. Diuretic mixture, 422. 
Laxative absorbent mixture, ibid. Saline mixture, ibid. Squill 
mixture, ibid. 

Molasses , an intoxicating spirit much used by the common people at 
Edinburgh, 57, note. 

Mothers, preposterous, when they think it below them to nurse their 
own children, 1. Under what circumstances they may be ready 
unfit to perform this task, ibid. Importance of their suckling their 
own children, 2, note. Delicate mothers produce unhealthy short¬ 
lived children, 4. Their milk, the best food for children, 9. Ought 
to give their children proper exercise, 13; and air, 18. 

Mouth, cautions against putting pins or other dangerous articles in¬ 
to 351, 




x iX JJ E X. 


2tlu.scuhr exercise a cure for the gout, 225. 

Mushrooms, a dangerous article of food, as other funguses are often- 
gathered instead of them, 284y 

Music, the performance of, recommended as a proper amusement; 
for studious persons, 36. 

$7ask, extraordinary effects produced by, under particular circum¬ 
stances, in the nervous fever, 114. Is a good remedy in the epilep¬ 
sy, 253. And for the hiccup, 254. Deafness cured by, 269. 

Mustard, white, a good remedy in the rheumatism, 228. 

KA'IVRAL history, the study of, necessary to the improvement of 
agriculture, viii. 

Nervous diseases, the most complicated and difficult to cure of all 
others, 245. General causes of, ibid. Symptoms of, ibid. Regimen, 
246. Medical treatment, 247. A cuieonly to be expected from ; 
regimen, 248. The several symptoms of, though differently- 
named, all modifications of the same disease, 264. 

Rtnrous colic, its causes and symptoms, 175. Medical treatment of, ibid,\ 

Rercous fever. See Fever. 

Right-mare , its causes and symptoms described, 2 56. Proper treat¬ 
ment of, ibid. 

Right-shade, an infusion of, recommended in a cancer, 273. 

Ritre , purified, its good effects in a quinsev, 157. Is an efficacious re¬ 
medy for the dropsy, 221. Promotes urine and perspiration, 250. 

Rose , ulcer in, how to cure, 270. Stoppage of, in children, how to 
cure, 320. See Bleeding at. 

Nurses , their superstitious prejudices in bathing of children, 18. The 
only certain evidence of a good one, 20. Their usual faults point¬ 
ed out, ibid. Administer cordials to remedy their neglect of duty 
towardschildren, 21. Their mistaken treatmentof eruptions, ibid. 
And looserstools, ibid. Are apt to conceal the disorders of children, 
that arise from their own negligence, ibid. Ought to be punished 
for the misfortunes they thus occasion, 22- Sensible, often able to 
discover diseases sooner than persons bred to physic, 89. Are lia¬ 
ble to catch fie small-pox again from those they nurse in that dis¬ 
order, 128, note. 

Nursery ought to be the largest and best aired room in a house 19. 

OAFS and barley, more wholesome when boiled, 382. 

Oatmeal:, frequently made into bread,and peasants fed on it, are heal¬ 
thy and robust, 383 Erroneously supposed to occasion skin dis¬ 
eases, ibid. Oatmeal and milk a proper food for children, ibid. 

Oil , an antidote to the injuries arising from working in mines or me¬ 
tals, 23. Salad oil, the best application to the bite of a wasp or 
bee, 283. Camphorated, how to prepare, 425. 

Oils, essential, cf vegetables, the proper menstruum for, 433. 

Ointment for the itch, 235 Use of ointments when applied to wounds 
and sores, 422. Preparation of yellow basilicum, 423. Emollient 
ointment, ibid. Eye ointments, ibid. Issu'-» ointment, ibid. Oint¬ 
ment of lead, 424. Mercurial ointment, ibid. Ointment of sul¬ 
phur, ibid. White ointment, ibid. See Liniment. 

Onions roasted, used by the Turks as bread, 390. 

Ophthalmia. See F.ye 

Opiates, efficacious in a cholera morbus, 182, In a diabetes, 188. Whesr, 


I N D E X. 


proper for the head-ach, 208. Recommended for tiifc tooth-ach, 205. 
Are delusive remedies in nervous diseases, 218. See Luadaiuwu 

Orange and lemon peel, how to candy, 410. How to preserve 
orange and lemon juice in the form of syrup. 432. 

Ormskirk medicine for the bite of a mad dog, remarks on, 282, note 

Oxycrute, the most proper external application in a fracture, 347. 

Oysters of great service in consumptions, 107, note. 

PAINTERS. See Miners. 

Palsy , the nature of this disorder explained, 250. Its causes 251. 
Medical treatment, ibid. 

Paraphrevdtis , its symptoms and treatment, 100. 

Parents , their interested views in the disposal of (heir children in 
marriage, often a source of bitter repentance, 70, note. See fa¬ 
thers and Mothers. 

Parsnips, a nourishing food, 389. 

Passions, intemperance the abuse of, 55. Have great influence both 
in the cause and c ure of diseases, 66. Anger, ibid. Fear, ibid, 
Grief, 68. Love,70. Religious melancholy,7 t. The best method 
of counteracting the violence of any of the passions, ibid. 

Peas, parched, good in cases of flatulency, 212, 

Permian bark. See Bark. 

Penis, ulcerated, cured, and partly regenerated, by a careful atten¬ 
tion to cleanliness, 301, note. 

Peripneumony, who most subject to, 100. Its causes, symptoms, and 
proper regimen, 101. 

Perspiration, insensible, the obstruction of, disorders the whole frame, 
74. The various causes of its being checked, ibid. Changes in the 
atmosphere, ibid. Wet clothes, 75. Wet feet, ibid. Night air, ibid. 
Damp beds, 76. Damp houses, 77. Sudden transitions from heat 
to cold, ibid. 

Philosophy, advantages resulting from the study of, xih 

Phrenitis. See Brain. 

Phymosis described, and how to treat, 296. 

Physicians, ill consequences of their inattention to the management 
of children, 4. Are liable to spread infection, 64, note. Their cus¬ 
tom of prognosticating the fate of their patients, a bad practice, 
68. Are seldom called in, until medicine can give no relief, 95. 
The faculty oppose every salutary discovery, 133 

Pickles, provocatives injurious to the stomach, 39. 

Piles, bleeding and blind, the distinction between, 196. Who most 
subject to the disorder, ibid. General causes, ibid. Medical treat¬ 
ment of, ibid. Periodical discharges of, ought not to he stopped, 
197. Proper treatment of the blind piles, ibid. External oint¬ 
ments of little use, ibid. 

PiUs, purging, proper form of, for an inflammation of the intestines, 
172, The general intention of this class of medicines, 425. Pre¬ 
paration of the composing pill, ibid. Foetid pill, ibid. Hemlock 
pill, ibid. Mercurial pill, 426. Merc urial sublimate pills, ibid. 
Plummer's pill ,ibid. Purging pill .ibid. Pill for the jaundice, 427. 
Squill pills, ibid. Strengthening pills, ibid. 

Pins ought never to be used in the dressing of children, 8, Swallow¬ 
ed, discharged from an nicer in the side, 351, note „ 







INDEX. 


Piasters, the general intentions of, and their usual basis, 427. Prepa¬ 
ration of the common plaster, 428. Adhesive plaster, ibid. Ano¬ 
dyne plaster, ibid. Blistering plaster, ibid. Gum plaster, 42 9. 
Mercurial plaster, ibid. Stomach plaster, ibid. Warm plaster, ibid. 
Wax plaster* ibid. ' * 

Pleurisy, the nature of the disorder explained, with its causes, 965 
Symptoms, 97. Regimen, ibid. Medical treatment, ibid. A decoc¬ 
tion of senek’a reckoned a specific in, 99. Bastard pleurisy, 100. 

Plumbers. See Miners. 

Poisons , the nature and cure of, a general concern, and easily acquir¬ 
ed, 27.5. Mineral poisons, 276. Vegetable poisons, 277. Bites of 
poisonous animals, P,1 8. Bite of a mad dog', ibid. Bite of a viper, 
288. The practice of sucking the poison out of wounds recom¬ 
mended, ibid. note. Poisonous plants ought to be destroyed in the 
neighbourhood of towns, 284. Negro remedy to cure the bite of 
a rattle snake, ibid. General rules for security against poisons, ibid. 

Poor living; the dangers of, 26. 

Porters subject to disorders of the lungs, 24. 

Postures, confined, injurious totheheallh of sedentary artists, 30. 

Potatoe, the best substitute for bread, 387. The mealy kind deemed 
most nutritious 388. Simply boiling or roasting-, the best mode of 
cooking them, ibid. Stewed mutton and potatoes a nourishing and 
palatable dish* ibid. 

Poverty, occasions parents to neglect giving their children proper ex ¬ 
ercise, hi. t)estro’ys parental affection, ibid, note. Not only occa¬ 
sions, but aggravates* many of the diseases of labourers, 26. The 
poor gredt sufferers by the sale of bad provisions, 37, note. And 
bv bad air in large cities, 4«5. 

Poultices proper for inflamed wou'nds 337. 

Powders, general instructions for making and administering, 430. 
Astringent powder, preparation and doses of, ibid. Powder of 
bole, ibid. Carminative powder, ibid. Dieuretic powder, ibid. 
Aromatic purging powder, ibid. Saline laxative powder, 431. 
Steel powder, ibid Sudorific powder, ibid. Worm powder, ibid. 
Purging worm powder, ibid. Powder for the tape-worm, ibid. 

Por, small, who most liable to, and at what seasons* 125. Its causes 
and symptoms, 126. Favourable and unfavourable 'symptoms ip* 
ibid. Regimen, 127. How the patient ought to be treated during 
the eruptive fever, ibid. Children in this disorder ought not to lie 
together in the same bed, 128. Should bealiovved clean linen, ibid. 
Patients under this disorder ought not. to appear in public view, 
129. Medical treatment* ibid. The secondary fever* 131. When 
and how to open the pustules, 132. Of inoculation, 133. 

Pregnancy, how to treat vomiting when the effect of, 185. Rules of 
conduct for women under the disorders incident to, $09. Causes 
and symptoms of abortion, ibid. Plow to guard against abortion, 
310. Treatment in cases <3f ab >rtion, ibid. Childbirt h, ibid. 

Prescriptions , medical, patients exposed to danger by their being 
written in Latin, xiv. 

P?-os'isious, unsound, the sale of, a public injury, 57. 

Puerperal fever. See Fever. 

Purges, the frequent taking of them renders the habitual use of them 


INDEX. 


necessary, 72. Their efficacy in ague;, 88. Proper form of fer 
an inflammation of the intestines, 172. Cooling purges always 
proper in a gonnorrhcea, 287. Midwives too rash in the giving 1 
of purges, 314, note . Form of a gentle purge fur infants disor¬ 
dered in their bowels, 317. For the thrush, 318. 

Pustules, in the small-pox, favourable and unfavourable appearances 
of, 126. The suppuration of, to be promoted, 130. When and 
how to open, 132. 

Putrid fever. See Fever. 

QUACKS put out more eyes than tht*y cure, 266. 

Quackery, how to destroy, xiii. 

Quakers , their mode of dressing recommended, 54. 

Quinsey, a common and dangerous disorder, and to whom most fa¬ 
tal, 154. Its causes, 155. Symptoms, ibid. Regimen, 156. 
'Medical applications, 157. How to promote suppuration, ibid. 
How r to nourish the patient when he cannot swallow, ibid. Ad¬ 
vice to persons subject to this disorder, 158 

■-— malignant, who most subject to, and its cause 1 -, 159. Its 

symptoms, ibid. Regimen and medical treatment, 160. 

JIATTLE-SNAKE, Negro remedy for the cure of its bite, 284. 

Regimen ought to co-operate with medicine to accomplish the cure 
of diseases, vii. Will often cure diseases without medicine, 83. 
See Aliment. 

Religion, true, calculated to support the mind under every affliction, 

71. The instructions in, ought not to dwell too much on gloomy 
subjects, ibid 

Remitting fever. See lever. 

Repletion, impairs the digestive pow r ers, 42. Diseases occasioned 
by. 43. How to treat a looseness produced by, 18.3. 

Resentment, the indulgence of, injurious to the constitution, 66. 

Resins, and essential oils, the proper menstruum for, 433. 

Respiration, how to restore in a drowned person, 354. 

Rheumatism, acute and chronic, distinguished, 226. Cause*, ibid . 
rS/mptoms, 227. Medical treatment, ibid. Cautions to persons 
subject to this disorder, 229. 

Rice , a general article of diet, 382. Simple boiling of, renders it 
a substitute for bread, ibid. 

Rickets , the appearance of, in Britain, dated from the growth of 
manufactures and sedentary employments, 13. 7'he causes of, 
327. Symptoms, ibid. Regimen and medical treatment, 328. 

Rollers, pernicious tendency of applying them round the bodies of 
infants, 6. 

Romans, ancient, their great attention to the cleanliness of their 
towns, 60, note. 

Roses, conserve of, its great virtue against haemorrhages, 196, 199. 

Ruoiures, are chiefly incident to children and very old persons, 348. 
The causes respectively, ibid. Method of treatment, ibid. Cut¬ 
ting should be avoided if possible, 349. Cautions for persons af¬ 
flicted with a rupture, ibid. Otfien prove fatal before discovered, 
ibid, note. 

ther/ord. Dr. his preparation for the cure of a dysentery, 203. 

R 3 



1 N t> E 

SAILORS, their health injured by change of climafe, hard Wcalh^ 
and bad provisions, 27. Many of their diseases spring from in¬ 
temperance, ibid. Ought.to guard against wet clothes, ibid. 

- How the i!i effects of salt provisions might be corrected; ibid. 
Peruvian bark : the best ai tidote to sailors on a foreign coast, 28. 
Cleanliness greatly conducive to their health, 61. 

Sal-prune lies, its-good effects in a'qurnsey, 157. 

Saline draughts, of good use for stopping a vomiting, 18$. Prepa¬ 
ration of, for this purpose, ibid. Peculiarly good in the puerpe¬ 
ral fever, 3 14-. 

Salivation not necessary in the cure of the venereal disease, 298. 

Sarsaparilla, a powerful assistant in'venereal cases, 299. 

Seabird head in children, difficult to cure, and treatment, 323. 

Scarlet fever. See Fe-Cer. 

School, sending children there too young, its bad consequences, 15. 
Ought to be seated in-a dry air, and ought not to be too much 
crowded, 20. 

Scirrhns 'inj the liver, proper regime rein the case of, 180. See Cancel*. 

Scrophula, nature of this disease, ami its causes, 232. Symptoms, 
regimen and medical treatment, 233. 

Scurvy, why prevalent among the English, 39. Where most prevar* 

. lent, and the two distinctions of, -229. Causes of, ibid. Symp¬ 
toms and cure, 230. Instructions to sea-faring men, 231. Ex¬ 
traordinary effects of milk, ibid. Proper liquors, ibid. 

Sedentary life includes the greater part of the human species, 28. 
Few persons follow agriculture who are capable of other business, 
29. Sedentary and active employments-ought to be intermixed, 
for the sake of hdzlth,Tbid. Artists suffer from unwholesome air, 
by being crowded together, ibid. The postures-artists are confined 
to, injurious to health, 30. Disorders produced bv, ibid. Cautions 
offered to the sedentary, 3 1. Sedentary amusements improper 
for sedentary persons, ibid. Hints relating to improper food, ibid. 
Exercise, a surer relict for low spirits than drinking, ibid. Gar¬ 
dening a wholesome amusement for. the sedentary, ibid. Disor¬ 
ders occasioned by intense study, 33. Dietetieal advice to the 
sedentary, 42. Sedentary occupations better adapted to womeiv 
than men, 49, note. 

Sea water, a good remedy in the king’s evil, 234. 

Senses, disorders of, 265. - 

Setou, has sometimes extraordinary effects in inflammations of the' 
eyes, *153. Is uf service for preventing apoplexies, 241. The 
best method of making it, 250. 

Shoes , tight, the bad consequences ’resulting from, 54. The high 
heels of women’s shoes, ibid. 

S ibbins, a venereal disorder so termed in the west of Scotland, how 
to cure, 301, note. 

'Sick, the mutual danger incurred by unnecessary visitors to,-6'3. 
Persons in health, to be kept at a distance from the sick, ibid. 
Proper nurses ought to be employed about them, 64. Instruc¬ 
tions for avoiding infection, ibid. Physicians too unguarded in 
their visits to them, ibid. note. Tolling of keljs for the dead ve- 
ry dangerous to, 67, Their fears ought not to be alarmed, ibid. 


I N' D- E X. 


Sigkt; injured by studying by candle-light, 34, ’ 

Simples, a list of those proper to be kept for private practice, 402. 

Sinapisms,.tho general intentions of, 406. Directions for making 
ibid. 

Sleep, the due proportion of, not easy to fix, 51,-. How to make it 
refreshing, 52. Complaints of the want of, chiefly made by the 
indolent, ibid. Heavy suppers cause uneasy nights, ibid. Anx* 
iety destructive of sleep, ibid. That in the fore-part of the 
rightmost refreshing, ibid. Early risers-the longest.livers, ibid 
note. 

Sleeping in the sun,- the danger of, 25.r 

Small-pox. See Pox. 

Sjnell, injuries to which the sense of, is liable, with the. remedies 
applicable to, -263., 

Soap , Alicant, recommended in the stone, 191.. Soap-lecs, how to 
lake, ibid. 

Solanum. See Night-shade. 

Soldiers, exposed to many disorders from the hardships they undergo^ 
27, Ought to be„employed in moderate.labourintimesof peacs, 
23. note., 

Soups. See Broths, , 

Spine, often bent by artists working in unfavourable postures, 30. 

Spirit, rectified, the direct menstruum for resins and essential oils of 
vegetables, 433. Of wine, camphorated, how to prepare,. 436, 
Spirit of Mindererus, ibid. 

Spirits, lowness of, the general forerunner of a nervous fever. Ill,. 
The proper remedies tor, 260,. *• Cautions to persons under this 
complaint, ibid, v 

Spirituous liquors , when good in the cholic, 173.'*, And for gouty 
complaints in the stomach, 212. Should be avoided by all per-, 
sons afflicted with nervous disorders, 246-. /The use of, often, 
fatal, 362. 

Spitting of Blood. See Blood. 

Sponge, may be used to supply the waftt of agaric as a styptic, 336, 
note. Its use in extracting substances stopped in the gullet, 352. 

Sports, active, far more wholesome than sedentary amusements, 50. 
Goif, a better exercise than cricket, ibid', note. „ 

Spots in tiie eye, how to treat, .267., 

Squinting) how to correct the habit of, 267, 

Stays, a ridiculous and pernicious article of female dress,-9. 54, 
The wearing of, tends to produce cancers in the breasts 272. 

Sternutatories , preparations, oh recommended for restoring lost smell, 
27 Q. 

Sticking-plaster is the best applicat ion for slight wounds, 336. 

Stomach, exercise the best care for disorders of, 50. Inflammation 
of, a disorder , that calls for speedy assistance, 169. Its causes, 
ibid. Symptoms, ibid. Regimen, ibid. Medical treatment 170. 
Eainrin, its causes, 21 K Remedies for, 212. Instructions for 
persons subject to, 213v. 

Stone, the formation of, in the bladder, explained, 189. This dis¬ 
order how distinguished from the gravel, ibid. Causes and symp¬ 
toms, 190. ' Regimen, ibid. Medical treatment, 191. Alicant 


INDEX. 


soap and lime-water, how to take for this disorder, ibid. The uva 
ursi, a remedy in present request for, 192. 

ioose, the benefit of, to children, 21. Proper treatment of, 
when excessive, ibid. The discharge by, cannot be regular, if the 
mode of living be irregular, 72. One in a day generally sufficient 
for an adult, ibid. How to produce a regularity of, ibid. Frequent 
recourse to medicines for costiveness, injurious to the constitu¬ 
tion,’ ibid. 

Storck, Di. his method of treating cancers, 2*73. 

Strabismus. See Squinting. 

Strains , pioper rnetnod of treating, 347. The safest external ap¬ 
plication 348. note. 

Strangury, from a blistering-plaster, how to guard against, 9S. In 
the small-pox, how to relieve, 130, From a venereal cause, de¬ 
scribed, with its proper treatment, 295. 

Strangulation, course of treatment lor the recovery of persons from, 

3 04. 

S trasburgh, successful treatment of a miliary fever there, 122, note. 

Strength, the folly of trials of, from emulation, 25. 

Study, intense, injurious to health, 32. The disorders occasioned 
b), 33. Character of a mere student, 34. Hints of advice to 
studious persons, 35. Danger of their having recourse to cordi¬ 
als, 3d. Health often neglected while in possession, and laboured 
for after it is destroyed, ibid. No person ought to study immedi¬ 
ately after a full meal, ibid. Dietetical advice to the studious, 42, 
The general effects of, on the constitution, 245. 

Sublimate , corrosive, how to administer in venereal cases, 29S. 

Sutfbcaiion, by the fumes of charcoal, liable to happen in close cham¬ 
bers, 257. General causes of suffocation, 364. Overlaying of 
infants, ibid. 

Sugar, an improper article in the food of children, 11, 

Sulphur, a good remedy for expelling worms, 3 J 5. And foi the itch, 
235. 

Suppers, ought not to destroy the appetite for breakfast, 43. Heavy 
suppers sure to occasion uneasy nights, 52. 

Surgery, many of the operations of, successfully performed by per¬ 
sons unskilled in anatomy, 331. Humanity induces everyone 
more or less to be a surgeon, ibid. 

Sweating, generally excited in an improper manner, in fevers, 86. 94. 

»S toomings, the several causes of, described, 256. Proper treatment 
of this disorder, 257. 360. Cautions to persons subject to them, 362. 

Sydenham. Dr. his method of treating fevers in children from teeth¬ 
ing, 326. 

Symptoms, diseases better distinguished by, than by the systematical 
arrangement of, 80. The differences of sex, age, and constitution, 
to be considered, ibid. Diseases of the mind to be distinguished 
from those of the body, 81. 

Syncope, proper treatment in, 361. 

Syrups, the general intention of, 432. How to make'simple syrup, 
and to modify it for particular purposes, ibid. 
dA 67 TL/Sj his remarks on the degeneracy of the Roman ladies, 3, 
uc&_ * ’ • 


I N D E X. 


laltd'zfr chandlers, and others woiking on putrid animal substances, 
cautions to, 23. 

Tapping for-the dropsy., a safe and simple operation, 221. 

Tar, Barbado.es, its efficacy in the nervous colic, 176. 

Tartar, soluble, a good remedy fyr the jaundice, 213. Cream of, a 
good remedy in a dropsy, 221. And rheumatism, 228. 

Taste, how to restore the sense of, when injured, 271. 

Tailors, are exposed to injuries from breathing confined air, 29. Are 
subject to consumptions, ibid. note. -Often lose the ewe of their 
legs, 30. Hints of instruction offered to them in regard to tneir 
healih, 31. 

Tea, the customary use of, injurious to female ednsitutions, 4. De¬ 
stroys their digestive powers, and produces hysterics, 39. The 
bad qualities of, principally owing to imprudence in dn* use of it, 
ibid. Green, chewing of, a remedy for the heartburn, 2 i d. Has 
a powerful eilcct upon the nerves, 2d 1, nove. Is bad for persons 
troubled with flatulencies, 259. Occasions an unnecessary con¬ 
sumption of bread, 381. Bad effects of an immoderate use of, ibid. 

Teething, the disorders attending, 325. Regimen, and medical treat¬ 
ment in, 326. A pplications to the gums, and how to cut them, ibid. 

Temperance, the parent of health, 55. 

Testicles, swelled, the cause of, 293. Regimen and medicines in, 
ibid. Treatment under a cancerous or scrophulous habit, ibid. 

Thirst, how it may be quenched when a person is hot, without dan¬ 
ger, 78. 

Thought, intense, destructive of health, 32. 

Thrush in infants, the disorder and its causes described, 318. Medi¬ 
cal treatment of, 319. 

Tinctures and elixirs, the proper medicines to exhibit in the form of, 
433. Preparations of die aromatic tincture, ibid. Compound 
tincture of the bark, ibid. Volatile fetid tine!me, ibid Volatile 
tincture of gum guaiacum, ibid. Tincture of black hellebore, 434. 
Astringent tincture, ibid. Tincture of myrrh and aloes, ibid. 
Tincture of opium, or liquid laudanum, ibid. Tincture at icera 
picra, ibid. Compound tincture of senna-, ibid. Tincture c! Spa¬ 
nish flies, 435. Tincture of the baba-fin of 4\>lu, ibid. Tincture 
of rhubarb, ibid. 

Tissot, Dr. character of his dvisv.it peupie, viii. His medical course 
for the cure of the hydrophobia, 282. His direction* for gather¬ 
ing, preparing, and applying agaric of the oak as a styptic, -384. 
nGie. Ins lances from, of the recovery of drowned person , 35 5. 

Tobacco, a clyster of a decoction of, useful to excite a vomit, 352. 
A clyster of the fumes of, will stimulate the intestines, and pro¬ 
duce a stool, 175, note, 355. 

Toes, the free motion of, destroyed by Wearing tight shoes, 51. 

Tooth-ach, the general causes of, 208. Medical treatment of, 209. 
When to be extracted, 210. Directions' for tdeuning; ibid. 

Towns, great, the air of, destructive to the children of the poor, 13 
Children bred in the country, ought not to be sent too early into 
towns, 19. Cleanliness not sufficiently attended to in, 59 Ough 
to be supplied with plenty of water for washing the streets, 55 
note. The best means to guard against infection in, 65. 



X N D E X, 


Trades, some injurious to health by making artists breathe unwhole¬ 
some air, 22. 2t). 

Transitions , sudden, from, heat to cold, the ill effects of, lo the consti¬ 
tution, 78. 

Travellers, the use of vinegar recommended to, 2$> Ought to be ve¬ 
ry careful not to sleep in damp beds, 76. Fevers why often fa¬ 
tal to, 85. 

Trees should not be planted too near to houses, 47 ; 

Trefoil water, a good remedy in the rheumatism, 228. 

Tumours, proper treatment of, 334. 

Turnips, properly cultivated, afford wholesome nourishment, 389. 

Turn'tull, Dr. his method of treating the croup in children, 325, note. 

Turner’s cerate, preparation of, 423. 

VAPOUR of fermenting liquors, noxious nature of, 357. 

Vegetables, wholesome corrections of the bad qualities of animal, 
food, 39. Their extraordinary effects in the scurvy, 230. 

Venereal disease , why. omitted in the first edition.of this work, 285. 
Unfavourable circumstances attending this disorder ibid. The vi¬ 
rulent gonorrhea, 286. Gleets, 29h Swelled testicles, 293. 
Buboes, ibid. Chancers, 294. Strangury, 295. Phymosis, 295.. 
A confirmed lues, 297. American method of curing this disease, 
299. General observations, ibid.- Cleanliness a great preserva-v.. 
live against, 301 • The use of medicines ought not to be hastily 
dropped, 392*. Is often too much disregarded* 303*. 

Ventilators,, the most useful of all modem medical improvements, 43. 

Vertigo often produced bv intense study, 34. 

Vinegar, a great antidote against diseases, and ought to be used by- 
nil travellers, 28. Should be sprinkled in sick chambers, 64. 69., 
117. Is of considerable service in the bite of a mad dog, 280 ; and 
in any kind of poison* 283, Its medical properties, 436“. Is of use 
to extract the virtues of several medicinal substances, 437. Howy 
to prepare vinegar of litharge, ibid., Vinegar of roses, ibid. Vi- 
r. r of so u ills, ibid. 

Viner, the bite of, the sufficiency of the grease for the cure of, doubu_ 
ed, 383. Method of treatment recommended, ibid 

Vi,trial, elixir of, an excellent medicine in weakness of the stomach, 
2G. And for windy complaints, 248. 

Vituv, St. his dance, method of eure of, 254. 

Ulcers, proper treatment of, according to their different natures, 339. 
Lime-water a good remedy, 340. Dr. Whytt’s method of treating 
tnem, ibid. Fistulous ulcers, 341. 

Vomits , their use in agues, 88 and in the nervous fever,.! 12. Cau¬ 
tions for administering in (he putrid fever, 118. Ought by no 
means to be administered in an inlUmm&tion of the stomach, 169. 
Are useful in cases of repletion, 183. Are powerful remedies, in 
the jaundice, 217. Are the first object to be pursued when poison 
lias been received into the stomach, 275. Their use in the hoop¬ 
ing-cough, and how to administer them to children, 167. Mid¬ 
wives too rash in the use of, 314, note. Form of a gentle one foe 
infants disordered in the bowels, 322. 

Vomiing, the several causes oi, 184. Medical treatment of, I85. v 




INDEX. 

'Saline draught for stopping of, ibid. Causes of, in children, 321. 
How to be treated, ibid. Of blood : see Blood. 

™yage, a long one frequently cures a consumption, 105. Voyages 
have an excellent effect on persons afflicted with nervous disor¬ 
ders, 247. 

Ureters, and their use, described. Ml, note. 

Urine, the appearances and quality of, too uncertain to form any 
determined judgment from, 73. Dr. Cheyne’s judgment as to 
the due quantity of, not to be relied on, ibid. The secretion and 
discharge of, how obstructed, ibid. Bad consequences of retain¬ 
ing it too long. ibid. Too great a quantity of, tends to a consump¬ 
tion, 74 Stoppage of, its general causes, 178. Caution as to 
the treatment of, 179. Diabetes, 186'. Incontinency of, 183. 
Suppression of, medical treitment in, ibid. Cautions to persons 
subject to this disorder, 1 89. Bloody, causes of, 200, Medical 
treatment of, 201, An obstinate deafness cured by warm urine, 
269. note. 

Urine doctors, their impudence, and great success from the cre¬ 
dulity of the populace, 73, note. 

Uva ursi, a remedy in present request for the stone, 192. 

WALKING, more conducive to health than riding, 395. 

Walls, high, unwholesome, by obstructing the free current of air, 
46. 

Waifs essence, preparation of, 436. His fistula paste, a popular 
remedy that may deserve trial, 341. 

Wars occasion putrid fevers, by tainting the air with the effluvia of 
dead carcases, 1!5. 

Wasps, hornets, or bees, how the bite of, ought to be treated, 283. 

Water, frequently unw holesome by mineral impregnations, 40. Cau¬ 
tions for the choice of, ibid . Cold, the dagger of drinking when 
a person is hot, 78. 

Water in the head, is a disorder chiefly incident to children, 330. 
Its causes, symptoms, and proper treatment, ibid. The nature of 
the disorder seldom discovered in due time for cure, ibid. note. 

Waters by infusion, how to prepare ; Lime water, 438. Compound 
lime water, ibid. Sublimate water, ibid. Styptic water, ibid. 
Tar water, 439. 

Waters, simple distilled, their medical uses, 439. Preparation of 
cinnamon water, ibid. Pennyroyal water, ibid Peppermint 
water, ibid. Spearmint w ater, ibid. Rose water, 440. Jamaica 
pepper water, ibid. 

Waters, spiritous distilled, how to prepare. Spiritous cinnamon 
water, 440. Spiritous Jamaica pepper water, ibid. 

Watery eye, how to cure, 26S. 

Weaning of children from the breast, the proper mode of, 10, 11. 

Weathei', states of, which produce the putrid fever, 115. 

Wells, caution to persons going down in them, 46, note. Deep, 
ought not to be entered till the air in, is purified, 357. 

Whey, an excellent drink in a dysentery, 204and ip the rheuma¬ 
tism, 227. Orange whey, how to make, 93. Alum whey, 188, 
440. Mustard whey, 441. Scorbutic ibid. 

Whitlow, 334. 




I N D E X. 


Whi/it, Dr. his remedies for flatulencies, 259. 

Wind. See Flatulencies. 

Windows, (lie danger of throwing them open on account of heat, 
and sitting near (hem, 78. 

Wine, good, almost the only medicine necessary in a nervous fever, 

112 . 

Wines, (he medical properties of, 4.41. Their use in extracting the 
virtues of medicinal substances, ibid. Preparation of an! helminthic 
wine, ibid. Antimonia! wine, 442. Bitter wine, ibid. Ipeca¬ 
cuanha wine, ibid. Chalybeate or steel wine, ibid. Stomachic 
wine. ibid. 

Womb, inflammations of, its symptoms,3 12. Medical treatment of,ibid. 

Women, errors in their education pointed oui, 3. Why subject to 
hysterics, 39. Are betted adapted to follow sedentary occupa¬ 
tions than men, 49, vote. In child-bed, often die from their ap¬ 
prehensions of death, 67. Their disorders rendered epidemical 
by the force of imagination, ibid. Every thing that can alarm 
them to be carefully guarded against, ibid. Evil tendency of 
tolling bells for the dead, ibid. How exposed to a miliary fever 
during pregnancy, 120. Their constitutions injured by living 
too much within doors, 303. Those who woik in the open air 
almost a« hardy as men, 304. Advice to, with reference to the 
menstrual discharge, ibid. At the commencement, 306. Fluor 
fi(bus, with its proper treatment, described, 308. Advice to, at 
♦ he censing of the menses, ibid. Rules of conduct during preg¬ 
nancy, 309. Causes and symptoms of abortion, ibid. How to 
guard against abortion, 310. Treatment in cases of abortion, 
311. Instructions at the time of child-birth, ibid. Cause of 
the milk fever, 313. How to guard against the miliarv fever, 
ibid, 7die puerperal fever, ibid. Genera! cautions for women in 
ch jI d-bed, 315. Causes of barrenness, ibid. 

Wool, the best external application in the gout, 223. 

Workhouses poisonous to infants, 18. 

Worms, how to treat a looseness produced by, 184. Three princi¬ 
pal kinds of, distinguished, 213. Symptoms of, 215. Causes, 
£16. Medical treatment for, ibid. Remedy for children, ibid. 
General cautions tor preserving children from them, ibid. Dan¬ 
ger of taking quack medicines for them, ibid, note. 

IFort , recommended tor the scurvy, and proper to drink at sea, 231 
Is a powerful remedy in cancerous cases, 274. 

Wounds, arc not cured by external applications, 335. Arc cured bv 
nature, ibid. Proper course of treatment, ibid. How to stop 
the bleeding, ibid. Caution against improper styptics, 336. Me¬ 
thod of dressing them, ibid. Poultices tor inflamed wounds, 337. 
Regimen in, ibid. 

Writing, hints of advice to those who are much employed in, 33, 35. 

YAWS, general hint for the cure of, 30!, note. 

Young animals, all exert their organs of motion as soon as they are 
a hie, 13. 

Z1Ml \'the flowers of, a popular remedy for the epilepsy. 953. 

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